This Research Topic focuses on the latest research development in immunoparasitology, which broadly encompasses the immunological interactions between the host and the parasite, including host immune responses to parasitic infections and the manipulation of the host immune system by parasites and their products. Host responses to parasites are not merely passive reactions upon infection. Instead, different host immune responses represent different defense strategies adopted by the host as an attempt to establish protective immunity. In order to survive, parasites have also evolved numerous mechanisms to evade host immune surveillance, including molecular mimicry and decoys that favor the parasite’s survival. As a result, the host may undergo unnecessary inflammatory responses or become tolerant to the parasite. Sustained inflammation and even immunopathology can occur in the presence of chronic parasitic infections.

In this Research Topic, we encourage the submission of Original Research articles describing (i) mechanisms of host-parasite interactions, (ii) parasitic evasion, (iii) host inflammatory responses and pathology, (iv) host protection mediated by effector molecules and cells, (v) regulatory responses elicited by infection, and (vi) the critical role of the crosstalk between the innate and acquired immunities in host defense. The importance of mucosal immunity will be emphasized in multiple host species since many parasites are naturally encountered at or through mucosal surfaces (e.g. respiratory and digestive mucosa) and due to the emerging evidence on the implications of infection-mediated alterations in microbiota for disease resistance as well as on the overall health of affected host species. We also welcome the submission of Reviews that summarize recent advances in the development of vaccines and diagnostic tools, and those that describe the potential of discovery research to facilitate the development of control measures against parasitic infections.

We welcome the submission of Original Research and Review articles within the following topics:

1. Host-parasite interactions.
2. Immunologic mechanisms underlying parasitic diseases.
3. Crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity against parasite infections.
4. Immunobiology of and cross-regulation by parasites.
5. Host regulatory responses, inflammation and immunopathology.
6. Parasite infection-mediated alteration in gastrointestinal microbiota and consequences.
7. Effect of co-infection by parasites and/or other pathogens on host immunity.
8. Genetic control of immunity to parasites and parasiticidal effector cells and molecules.
9. Mucosal immunity to parasitic infections.
10. Novel prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines and diagnostic tools.

Keywords: Parasites, Host-parasite interaction, Immunopathology, Vaccines, Diagnostics

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.