Immunology of vector-borne diseases: the role of immunopharmacology in controlling viral and parasitic infections.

Background: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant global health threat, driven by complex interactions between pathogens, vectors, and host immune responses. Understanding the immunopharmacological mechanisms underlying these interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic and preventive strategies. This review explores the immunomodulatory effects of vector saliva, pathogen-induced immune evasion, and host-directed immunotherapies to provide a comprehensive perspective on immune regulation in VBDs.

Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies on host immune responses, vector-mediated immunomodulation, and immunopharmacological interventions were included. Key themes were synthesized to highlight emerging therapeutic approaches, including monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and vector-targeted vaccines.

Results: The findings reveal that vector saliva modulates innate and adaptive immunity, altering disease outcomes. Pathogens exploit immune checkpoints to evade host defenses, necessitating targeted immunomodulatory therapies. Advances in monoclonal antibodies, metabolic reprogramming, and microbiome-based interventions offer promising avenues for disease control.

Discussion: Future research should integrate systems immunology, AI-driven predictive models, and microbiome-targeted strategies to enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy. Ethical and regulatory challenges must also be addressed to ensure equitable implementation.