Trends in parasitology最新文献

Persistent physical interaction between male and female schistosome adult worms has long been shown to be crucial for their development and sexual maturation, particularly for the female. Although not fully understood, worm pairing promotes local molecular communication between sexes, driving gonad and vitellaria differentiation. In this opinion article we (i) summarise evidence concerning molecular interactions underlying the physical pairing, and (ii) propose a new paradigm whereby remote male-female molecular communication may play an overlooked role in parasite sexual maturation. In this context we discuss recent research that supports both physical and remote male-female interactions driving differentiation of the gonads/vitellaria. This remote communication between sexes may be mediated by excretory-secretory products (ESPs). Integrated hypotheses are presented to stimulate research in this important and emerging field.

Circumsporozoite protein-specific active and passive immunization can protect significantly against Plasmodium falciparum malaria and are being considered as tools to prevent placental malaria. Despite recent encouraging findings, a closer view of the underlying biology indicates significant challenges to preventing placental malaria.

Success in the national control of malaria during the past decades has led to the reorientation of Thailand's program toward the elimination of this disease. The country established and implemented a National Malaria Elimination Strategy, resulting in a substantial decline in cases. Although the reduction varied, Sisaket Province stands out as a success. In accordance with the national strategy, the province adopted a 1-3-7 surveillance strategy and engaged in multisectoral collaboration, positioning itself to achieve malaria-free status and advancing to the prevention of re-establishment (PoR) phase. Scaling up this approach and applying the lessons learned from the success in Sisaket Province, as a solid foundation, could prove beneficial at both the national and international levels.

The growth of scientific knowledge is often likened to the evolution and diversification of life: new disciplines branch off older ones, and subsequently prosper or decline in a manner reminiscent of the expansion or extinction of diverse lineages of organisms. Based on a parallel between evolutionary diversification and knowledge growth, I examine the expansion of subdisciplines within 'ecological and evolutionary parasitology'. Bibliometric data are used to map the rise and fall of subdisciplines over time, capturing historical trends over the past several decades. This historical overview is followed by a critical consideration of its practical applications for decision-making, ranging from rational funding allocation among subdisciplines to whether the collective planning of future research directions is a desirable option.

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is one of the most studied proteins of the malaria parasite. It is the target of the only licensed malaria vaccines and is essential for sporozoite formation and infectivity. Yet, the mechanisms by which CSP functions and its interactions with other proteins are only beginning to be understood. Here we review the current state of knowledge of CSP structure and function, as sporozoites develop in the mosquito and establish infection in the mammalian host, and outline outstanding questions that need to be addressed.

Antiparasite behaviors are widespread in nature. However, despite significant research advances, a standardized approach to study them is missing. Here, I propose adapting Niko Tinbergen's four levels of analysis framework to study antiparasite behaviors. I highlight its integrative potential to understand fitness benefits, evolutionary history, functional mechanisms, and developmental processes.

Liver fluke infection is a major risk for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). It has been established that the Asian liver flukes, Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini secrete growth factors, digestive enzymes, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) which contribute to abnormal cell development in the bile ducts where the worms reside. These secretions - combined with aberrant inflammation and repeated cycles of chronic wounding at the site of parasite attachment and grazing on the epithelium - promote biliary hyperplasia and fibrosis and ultimately malignant transformation. Application of post-genomic and gene-editing tools to the study of liver fluke immunobiology and pathogenesis has accelerated the discovery of essential virulence factors to which targeted therapies and diagnostics can be directed.