About this Research Topic
Parasitic protozoan infections represent a significant health burden in the developing world and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. These infections are often associated with considerable variability in clinical presentation. The ultimate evolution of the host-parasite relationship is not “cure” of disease by complete elimination of the parasite, but at least mutual coexistence without harmful effects of the parasite on the host.
We wish to publish research articles and reviews that illustrate the current knowledge about the novel aspects of the fascinating and dynamic interaction between intracellular protozoa and their hosts. The Research Topic will discuss important protozoal species causing diseases in humans, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp, Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania spp, Trypanosoma spp, Cryptosporidium parvum, Acanthamoeba spp, Microsporidium spp, et al.
This Research Topic includes, but not limited to:
• Protozoa: Host-parasite interactions
Studies of humans and animals and in vitro studies of the parasitic protozoa and host interactions are discussed. The host and parasite are in dynamic interaction, the outcome of which depends upon the properties of the parasite and the host. The parasite has its determinants of virulence that allow it to invade and damage the host and to resist the defenses of the host. The host has various degrees of resistance to the parasite in the form of the host defenses. We hope to provide an understanding of the human-protozoal pathogen interaction and to speculate on how that might be leveraged for treatment.
• Protozoa: Cell Biology of Pathogenic Protozoa and Their Interaction with Host Cells
Pathogenic protozoa comprise a large number of eukaryotic microorganisms which are the causative agent of important parasitic diseases. The main focus of this Research Topic will be on the new morphological, biochemical, and molecular information which contribute to a better understanding of the biology of these organisms as well as of their interaction with host cells.
• Protozoa: Parasites and immunity
The survival and transmission of pathogenic protozoa depend on their ability to evade or subvert the host’s innate and adaptive immune responses. The significant challenge is to develop the immune response against protozoan parasites, so that could prevent their evasion, chronic, or recurrent infections, and related pathologies. The main focus of this Research Topic will summarize current advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of immunity to protozoan parasites in humans and experimental animal models.
We wish to publish research articles and reviews that illustrate the current knowledge about the novel aspects of the fascinating and dynamic interaction between intracellular protozoa and their hosts. The Research Topic will discuss important protozoal species causing diseases in humans, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp, Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania spp, Trypanosoma spp, Cryptosporidium parvum, Acanthamoeba spp, Microsporidium spp, et al.
This Research Topic includes, but not limited to:
• Protozoa: Host-parasite interactions
Studies of humans and animals and in vitro studies of the parasitic protozoa and host interactions are discussed. The host and parasite are in dynamic interaction, the outcome of which depends upon the properties of the parasite and the host. The parasite has its determinants of virulence that allow it to invade and damage the host and to resist the defenses of the host. The host has various degrees of resistance to the parasite in the form of the host defenses. We hope to provide an understanding of the human-protozoal pathogen interaction and to speculate on how that might be leveraged for treatment.
• Protozoa: Cell Biology of Pathogenic Protozoa and Their Interaction with Host Cells
Pathogenic protozoa comprise a large number of eukaryotic microorganisms which are the causative agent of important parasitic diseases. The main focus of this Research Topic will be on the new morphological, biochemical, and molecular information which contribute to a better understanding of the biology of these organisms as well as of their interaction with host cells.
• Protozoa: Parasites and immunity
The survival and transmission of pathogenic protozoa depend on their ability to evade or subvert the host’s innate and adaptive immune responses. The significant challenge is to develop the immune response against protozoan parasites, so that could prevent their evasion, chronic, or recurrent infections, and related pathologies. The main focus of this Research Topic will summarize current advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of immunity to protozoan parasites in humans and experimental animal models.
Keywords: Parasite, protozoa, immune evasion, host defense
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
