Immune-Related Mechanisms in Apicomplexan and Trypanosomatid Parasites

Studying host-parasite interactions is essential for understanding disease pathology and the immune responses that help control infection. In the evolutionary race between host and pathogens, the later evolves first which induces change in host. In this arms race, eukaryotic pathogens, primarily the protozoan parasites, harness themselves with the host to maintain their replicative niche. Among the broad group of parasites, those intracellular are of particular interest as they establish an intricate connection with the host cell to co-opt its signalling pathways and biological processes. Many of the most important veterinary and human diseases are caused by apicomplexan parasites such as Plasmodium (malaria), Toxoplasma (toxoplasmosis), Neospora (neosporosis) and Eimeria (coccidiosis). Similarly, trypanosomatid parasites include flagellated protozoans responsible for important zoonotic diseases, such as American and African trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma spp.) or leishmaniosis (Leishmania spp.).

A better understanding of the complex interactions between these pathogens and the immune system of the infected host could undoubtedly help in aspects that determine the virulence and the outcome of the diseases, as well as in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. In this research topic we aim at gathering research articles where immune response mechanisms against apicomplexan and trypanosomatid parasites are studied, especially encouraging those related to Toxoplasma and Leishmania, two of the most important zoonotic parasitic diseases. In addition, reviews and opinion articles will also be considered.

To this end, the following topics related to Apicomplexan and trypanosomatid parasites are meant to serve as a guidance, but other related subjects are welcome:

• Immunomodulation and adaptive immunity of parasitic diseases
• Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of parasitic diseases
• Organ and cell type-specific immune responses to parasites
• Signaling pathways activated by parasites and host mechanisms for restriction of parasite infection
• Subversion of host immunity by pathogenic parasites
• Description of novel signalling pathways
• Evolution studies and laboratory adaptation phenomena
• Intra-strain (or isolate) differences in the immune response
• Cell/tissue/host tropism
• Discovery of potential vaccine or drug targets


Manuscripts of both original research and review article types are welcome in this research topic. We are looking forward to your interesting manuscript and do not hesitate to contact us should you require further information.