Luciana Pereira de-Sousa, Pamela Rosa-Gonçalves, Beatriz Nogueira Siqueira-E-Silva, Ingrid de Oliveira de-Lavigne, Yuri Chaves Martins, Cláudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro
{"title":"Complementary therapeutic use of exercise in malaria's neurocognitive sequelae.","authors":"Luciana Pereira de-Sousa, Pamela Rosa-Gonçalves, Beatriz Nogueira Siqueira-E-Silva, Ingrid de Oliveira de-Lavigne, Yuri Chaves Martins, Cláudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria can compromise neurocognitive and behavioral integrity. Immunomodulation has been proposed as a mechanism by which exercise benefits brain function, including preventing neurocognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. We propose that immunomodulation through moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be a potential approach to mitigate malaria-related neurocognitive and behavioral alterations.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antiparasitics discovery: from genotype to phenotype to compounds.","authors":"Richard J Marhöfer, Sandra Noack, Paul M Selzer","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>For decades, the discovery of antiparasitics was dominated by whole-organism screening of intact parasite organisms or surrogate parasite models, such as Caenorhabitis elegans, using in vivo animal models or in vitro parasite assays, the latter also known as phenotypic screening. Molecular target-based screening played only a minor role, if at all. While publications using phenotypic screening are abundant in the literature, publications of successful, marketed, antiparasitic drugs discovered using the molecular target-based approach are scarce. This approach, therefore, is often perceived as less relevant for antiparasitic drug discovery than the two other approaches. However, antiparasitics belonging, for example, to the isoxazolines, bispyrazoles, depsipeptides or praziquantel (PZQ) derivatives, imposingly demonstrate the value of this approach, when wisely used in a cooperative manner with phenotypic screening.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144038665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Malaria parasite phenotypic heterogeneity and the power of single-cell technologies.","authors":"Emmanuel Gyamfi, Jake Baum","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The two-host life cycle of the malaria parasite, combined with its ability to regulate gene expression and protein translation within a single clonal genotype, results in a remarkable potential for phenotypic heterogeneity. This heterogeneity presents underappreciated challenges to antimalarial interventions such as vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic tools, with parasites able to evolve resistance rapidly. Here we summarise current knowledge of the different mechanisms driving parasite phenotypic heterogeneity both at the gene and protein level. Centred on the most virulent human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, we explore the consequences of this diversity for antimalarial interventions and how single-cell technologies present an opportunity to study inter- and intra-clonal heterogeneity to better design future-proofed intervention strategies against this ancient disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143982815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-04-18DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.010
Wesley Huang, Maura C Ruyechan, Katherine S Ralston
{"title":"Work with me here: variations in genome content and emerging genetic tools in Entamoeba histolytica.","authors":"Wesley Huang, Maura C Ruyechan, Katherine S Ralston","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis, a significant source of morbidity and mortality in developing nations. Despite this, E. histolytica is understudied, leading to few treatment options and a poor understanding of pathogenesis. Genetic tools have historically been limited. By applying modern approaches, it was recently revealed that the genome is aneuploid. Interestingly, gene expression levels do not correlate with ploidy, potentially highlighting the importance of RNAi in gene regulation. Characterization of the RNAi pathway has led to potent tools for targeted gene knockdown, and the advent of RNAi-based forward genetics. CRISPR/Cas tools for editing the endogenous genome are an exciting possibility on the horizon. We celebrate the gains that have made E. histolytica tractable and anticipate continued advances.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":"41 5","pages":"401-415"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-03-28DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.003
Neil J Morley
{"title":"Perceptions and misconceptions in visualizing parasite life cycles.","authors":"Neil J Morley","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Parasite life cycles can be visualized in different ways according to the context of the presentation. Such variability is not always recognized, increasing the risk of misreading visual information. The different approaches to visualizing cycles are conceptualized and potential weaknesses highlighted. Guidelines for the visualization of life cycles are suggested.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"344-347"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143744071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.014
Christopher J Howe, R Ellen R Nisbet
{"title":"Phasing out photosynthesis - and weaponising chlorophyll?","authors":"Christopher J Howe, R Ellen R Nisbet","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Photosynthesis has been lost independently many times in eukaryote evolutionary history. Surprisingly, the ability to synthesise chlorophyll has sometimes been retained after loss of photosynthesis. Jacko-Reynolds et al. show this phenomenon in a group of Apicomplexa parasitising corals. Possible explanations include a role in organelle-to-nucleus signalling, molecular trickery, and defence against predators.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":"41 5","pages":"339-340"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nicole A Scavo, Chalmers Vasquez, John-Paul Mutebi, Marco Ajelli, André B B Wilke
{"title":"Leveraging mosquito surveillance data to assess ecosystem health.","authors":"Nicole A Scavo, Chalmers Vasquez, John-Paul Mutebi, Marco Ajelli, André B B Wilke","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assessing ecosystem health is essential for preserving biodiversity. Mosquito abundance and community composition can serve as indicators of environmental conditions, providing insights into ecosystem health. Mosquitoes are routinely collected through surveillance programs and can be used to develop a metric for assessing both ecosystem health and public health risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-03-27DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.005
Adnan Hodžić, Georg Gerhard Duscher, Amer Alić, Relja Beck, David Berry
{"title":"Peritrophic matrix: an important determinant of vector competence in hematophagous arthropods.","authors":"Adnan Hodžić, Georg Gerhard Duscher, Amer Alić, Relja Beck, David Berry","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The peritrophic matrix (PM) is a non-cellular, glycan-rich structure that lines the gut epithelium of most invertebrates, including arthropod vectors that transmit diseases of public health and veterinary concern. This semipermeable barrier, functionally analogous to the vertebrate mucosal layer, separates the gut lumen from epithelial cells and provides protection against invading pathogens and their toxins. Beyond its mechanical protective role in the gut, the PM plays a crucial part in arthropod innate immunity. Here, we summarize the most recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of vector-pathogen interactions in blood-feeding arthropods and discuss the significance of the PM in modulating vector competence. This knowledge could contribute to the development of novel strategies to control vector-borne infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"374-386"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143731664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.005
Kaihuai Li, Daowen Wang, Fengquan Liu, Zheng Qing Fu
{"title":"Plant effectostimulins and nematode SUbventral-Gland Regulator promote parasitism.","authors":"Kaihuai Li, Daowen Wang, Fengquan Liu, Zheng Qing Fu","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plant parasitic nematodes secrete effectors to promote disease progression. However, the mechanisms by which plant hosts and nematodes trigger the expression of these effector genes remain elusive. Recently, Pellegrin et al. discovered that plant-derived stimulants and the nematode SUbventral-Gland Regulator aid in the activation of effector genes in cyst nematodes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":"41 5","pages":"341-343"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-04-22DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.003
Patrick E Duffy, Moriya Tsuji
{"title":"Liver-stage malaria transcriptomes: what you don't know can kill you.","authors":"Patrick E Duffy, Moriya Tsuji","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Plasmodium liver-stage (LS) represents a promising target for malaria vaccine and drug development, as LS elimination prevents progression to symptomatic blood-stage (BS) infection and subsequent parasite transmission. Comprehensive LS gene expression profiles remain unexplored. Zanghi et al. report successful transcriptomic analysis of human malaria LS throughout intrahepatocytic development.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":"41 5","pages":"335-336"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}