Trends in parasitology最新文献

Zeng et al. and Qian et al. reveal in their cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies how apicomplexan parasites extensively remodel tubulin to construct the conoid, a specialized invasion organelle. Distinct microtubule assemblies integrate mechanical support, force generation, and secretion control, providing a structural framework that underpins parasite motility and host cell entry.

Malaria remains a major public health concern, and traditional vector control methods face growing challenges, underscoring the need for novel strategies. The success of Wolbachia-based dengue control, together with the establishment of Plasmodium-blocking Wolbachia transinfections in Anopheles, highlights the potential of a new tool for malaria control. This review discusses the main experimental systems for studying Wolbachia-Anopheles interactions, emphasizing the challenges of generating Wolbachia transinfected Anopheles gambiae strains. Experiments utilizing Plasmodium parasite challenge in transiently and stably infected Anopheles demonstrated that Wolbachia-induced Plasmodium suppression is feasible. Building on insights from Wolbachia-Aedes-arborvirus systems - and with current evidence from Anopheles systems - we also address mechanisms of Plasmodium suppression. Finally, we outline challenges and opportunities for translating these findings from proof-of-concept to field application.

Pazicky et al. introduced a thermal profiling method, meltome-assisted profiling of protein complexes (MAP-X), combined with machine learning, to map protein complex dynamics in intact Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly malaria parasite. This in situ approach reveals a highly dynamic interactome, identifying novel complexes and 'moonlighting' proteins, shifting our understanding from static lists to temporal networks.

Whole sporozoite vaccines (WSVs) are the most effective malaria vaccines developed to date. However, their durable efficacy declines sharply when moving from homologous CHMI studies to field trials in endemic regions. We argue this reduced efficacy reflects the complex context of vaccine deployment rather than a single cause. The antigen mismatch hypothesis postulates that limited genetic diversity in current vaccines fails to capture the diversity of field parasites, reducing immune recognition. The host-context hypothesis describes how genetics, infection history, microbiome, and nutrition influence vaccine outcomes. We propose that the future of malaria vaccines will depend on integrating parasite genomics, systems immunology, and the development of animal models which more accurately depict the context of individuals living in malaria endemic regions.

Recent studies by Romano et al. and Mehra et al. reveal that Toxoplasma gondii actively connects its parasitophorous vacuole to the host endoplasmic reticulum. Through a parasitic secretory relay involving dense granule and rhoptry effectors, the parasite establishes membrane contact sites that enable metabolic exchange without compromising vacuolar integrity.

Goldman et al. and Houri-Zeevi et al. reveal how Aedes mosquitoes mate and the molecular bases of these interactions. Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are the vectors of arboviruses, causing an ever-increasing health burden. New sexual attributes and behaviors have been described and may inform the development of new genetic control technologies.

Aminopeptidase H11 confers strong protection against Haemonchus contortus infection in its native form but lower efficacy in recombinant versions. Advances in its glycobiology, novel expression systems, and adjuvants offer solutions to overcome this hurdle. This forum aims to guide future efforts toward developing effective H11-based vaccines as sustainable alternatives to chemical control of haemonchosis.

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals, yet its ecological role and clinical significance remain debated. Companion animals and livestock are of particular interest due to their close contact with humans and potential reservoir roles. This review synthesizes current knowledge on Blastocystis occurrence and diversity in these animal groups, reframing the discussion through the lens of host digestive physiology and microbiome ecology. Rather than a taxonomic inventory, we group animals as carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores to highlight how gastrointestinal physiology and diet might shape colonization. Carnivores show low prevalence, herbivores exhibit high subtype richness, and omnivores display intermediate patterns. Growing evidence links Blastocystis to gut eubiosis, highlighting the need for broader, integrative research across hosts and environments.