Trends in parasitology最新文献

The transformation of livestock production underway in Africa to support a growing population and the livelihood of farmers cannot be implemented without controlling major endemic diseases, such as vector-borne animal trypanosomosis (AT). Evidence-based decision-making is crucial for cost-effective trypanosomosis control, and through coordinated efforts, disease intelligence is being enhanced at the continental and national level. Information systems on the disease and its vectors ('atlases') have been established for Africa and in 14 high-burden countries. These initiatives underpin the progressive control pathway (PCP), a strategic approach that is being rolled out across the continent. However, information systems need continuous updates, enhanced dissemination and in-depth data analysis, including modelling, if their full potential is to be realized.

The post-COVID-19 era has exacerbated challenges in controlling echinococcosis on the Tibetan Plateau, the epicentre of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, where reduced funding for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) coincides with growing tourism and trade. This convergence heightens transmission risk, and we provide a novel synthesis of context-specific, integrated control strategies.

Parasitology has long relied on genomics and transcriptomics to explore gene function, diversity, and host-parasite interactions, yet functional insight often requires deeper molecular resolution. This forum highlights advances in proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and emerging technologies. We advocate an integrative multiomics approach to better understand parasite biology in context.

Despite significant progress in malaria control over the past two decades, the disease remains a major challenge. This review explores novel mosquito-targeting and transmission-blocking solutions to combat the growing concerns of antimalarial and insecticide resistance. The emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium spp. parasites and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, coupled with changes in vector behaviour and the spread of invasive species, necessitates the development of new control strategies. We examine a range of approaches ranging from low-tech repurposing of existing technologies to high-tech genetic engineering solutions. These interventions aim to exploit the parasite population bottleneck in mosquitoes to potentially reduce selective pressure and the risk of resistance development. Although each approach has its advantages and limitations, an integrated strategy that combines current tools with novel technologies may be crucial for malaria eradication.

Insect-microbe symbiosis enables innovative modulation of insect biology via gut microbiota engineering. Synthetic microbial communities enhance pathogen resistance, nutrient provisioning, and host fitness. Engineering components of insect microbiomes enables precise manipulation of insect-microbe dynamics, advancing ecofriendly pest control and beneficial insect conservation while addressing biosafety and stability challenges.

Mosquitoes transmit pathogens causing 700 000 deaths annually. Microbe-based vector control, which reduces vector populations or blocks pathogen development within vectors, offers an innovative way to lower global morbidity and mortality due to vector-borne disease. This review addresses challenges hindering the widespread adoption of microbe-based vector control in mosquitoes. We consider understudied transmission routes of mosquito-associated microbiota, factors affecting colonization and persistence of candidate microbial control agents in mosquito hosts, and the need for robust tools and methodologies to validate that observations in laboratory populations can be reliably extended to field populations. We highlight how understanding the microbial ecology underlying interactions between mosquitoes and their native microbiota can guide successful vector control efforts in these and other arthropod disease vectors.

Plant-parasitic nematodes secrete effectors to suppress host immunity, yet how these effectors disrupt plant defense remains poorly understood. Recently, Qin et al. report that the nematode effector MiV86 stabilizes host E3 ligase NbRNF217, which leads to the degradation of the helper NRC4 receptor and immune suppression.

The apicoplast, a peculiar organelle of red algal origin surrounded by four membranes, is important for several metabolic processes in the malaria parasite, including isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. Transporters are required to provide substrates and export products for these metabolic pathways and are therefore excellent novel drug targets. On the basis of known apicoplast pathways, we discuss which functions are expected to be fulfilled by the Plasmodium apicoplast transportome, which comprises 11 confirmed and 17 putative apicoplast transporters identified to date. Facilitated by the development of new tools, we anticipate the discovery of key players of the apicoplast transportome, such as the IPP and CoA exporters, and the exploitation of these proteins as drug targets.

Trypanosomatids are protozoan parasites that cause deadly infectious diseases. Despite the unique characteristics of their cAMP signaling pathways, little is known about the mechanisms driving signal specificity in these early divergent eukaryotes. From the activation of adenylate cyclases in response to environmental cues to the downstream regulation of gene expression, the signaling mechanisms triggering developmental transformations in trypanosomes are poorly understood. In this review we integrate previous and new evidence supporting the existence of membrane microdomains that assemble cAMP signaling proteins in different subcellular compartments of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. We also discuss the main cellular processes regulated by cAMP compartments in this parasite. Advances in this field are crucial to identifying new targets for antiparasitic interventions.