Protozoan parasitic infections, including leishmaniasis, malaria, Chagas disease, and toxoplasmosis, remain major global health concerns, particularly in resource-limited regions. Despite extensive research, effective vaccines are not available, and current drugs face major challenges such as systemic toxicity, drug resistance, and limited tissue targeting. These shortcomings contribute to persistent morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent advances in nanobiotechnology offer promising solutions to these limitations. Engineered nanomedicines, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and metallic systems, enable precise delivery of therapeutic agents and antigens, improve pharmacokinetics, and modulate immune responses. These innovations highlight the potential of nanotechnology to provide next-generation interventions, bringing hope for effective prevention and treatment strategies against neglected protozoan diseases.

The goal of this Research Topic is to consolidate and highlight recent progress in nanomedicine-based strategies for protozoan parasitic infections. Conventional chemotherapy is increasingly hampered by resistance and limited efficacy, while vaccine development against protozoan pathogens has faced repeated challenges. Nanocarriers have emerged as powerful tools to overcome these barriers. They can cross biological obstacles, deliver drugs directly to infected cells or tissues, and provide sustained release for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Importantly, nanovaccine platforms, nano-adjuvants, and biomimetic delivery systems have shown promise in eliciting protective immunity where traditional approaches have failed. By integrating expertise from nanotechnology, immunology, parasitology, and bioengineering, this Research Topic aims to promote interdisciplinary solutions that advance both fundamental understanding and translational application. The ultimate objective is to accelerate the development of effective, scalable, and accessible nanomedicine platforms that can address urgent unmet needs, particularly in regions where protozoan diseases remain endemic.

We welcome original research, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives on nanomedicine applications for protozoan parasitic infections. Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following areas:
•Design and optimization of nanocarriers for antiparasitic drug delivery
•Development of nanovaccines, nano-adjuvants, and mucosal delivery platforms
•Biomimetic and extracellular vesicle-based approaches for therapy and vaccination
•Immunomodulatory nanomaterials for host immune reprogramming
•Mucosal and tissue-specific delivery strategies
•Preclinical validation and translational prospects

This Research Topic seeks to provide an authoritative platform for innovative nanotechnology-driven solutions. Contributions should aim to bridge fundamental insights with clinical potential, ensuring relevance for global health needs. By gathering diverse perspectives, the collection will guide the development of next-generation therapeutics and vaccines against neglected protozoan diseases.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Engineered Nanomedicines for Protozoan Infections: Advances in Targeted Drug Delivery, Immune Modulation, and Vaccine Design