Exploring the Cerebral Consequences of Parasite-Host Interactions

Parasitic infections remain a major concern for global health, particularly in regions endemic for tropical diseases. While much progress has been made in characterizing the systemic effects of parasitic diseases, their impact on the central nervous system (CNS) is less comprehensively understood. Neurotropic parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei, and Taenia solium are known to cause considerable neurological and neurocognitive complications, ranging from seizures and encephalopathies to long-term cognitive deficiencies. Recent research has indicated that these pathogens compromise the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and alter neural function either by direct invasion or by triggering potent immune responses within the brain. However, our understanding of the precise cellular and molecular pathways underlying parasite-induced brain pathology, as well as the host’s mechanisms for defense and repair, remains incomplete.

This Research Topic aims to unravel the complex molecular and immunological mechanisms through which neurotropic parasites breach the BBB, interact with neural and glial cells, and disrupt brain physiology. It seeks to delineate the resultant neuropathological impacts, including neuronal dysfunction, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, the topic will explore the innate and adaptive defense strategies employed by the host to limit CNS injury and will investigate novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches leveraging recent advances in omics and systems biology to identify new biomarkers and treatment targets for neurocognitive disorders linked to parasitic infections.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of neural host–parasite interactions, contributions focused on both experimental and computational perspectives are encouraged, while studies limited to systemic or peripheral pathologies will fall outside the scope. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Mechanisms of blood–brain barrier crossing by neurotropic parasites
- Molecular interactions between parasites and neural/glial cells
- Immunological pathways and neuroinflammatory responses to CNS infection
- Neuropathological sequelae, such as neuronal dysfunction and oxidative stress
- Host defense systems and protective immune responses in the brain
- Omics-driven discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CNS parasitic infections
- Systems biology models of neural host–parasite dynamics and disease outcomes