Lipids fulfil an array of biological functions beyond energy storage. They function in the formation of membranes, which equip the cell with an external barrier and allow for intracellular compartmentalization, thereby creating microenvironments that are specific to the function of the organelle. Lipids are also dynamic and versatile molecules that enable a cell to divide and reproduce. They govern the membrane trafficking machinery which transports proteins and other macromolecular cargo and maintain cellular homeostasis. They act as important messengers in extra- and intracellular signaling and signal transduction.
Research over the last decade, highlights the increasing importance of lipids in host-parasite interactions. Various studies have demonstrated the ability of protozoan parasites to modulate host cell lipid homeostasis, to acquire and divert lipids from their hosts to support the proliferation and synthesis of their own complex lipids, and to regulate cellular differentiation. Another prominent pathogen-induced feature is the formation of lipid-rich organelles and lipid droplets in the host cell cytoplasm for the purposes of nutrient acquisition and host immune evasion. Protozoan parasites utilize lipid rafts, sterol- and sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains in parasite and host membranes to facilitate host cell invasion and evade immune response. And lastly, individual signaling lipids have also come into focus by playing fundamental roles in parasite organelle function and biogenesis.
Infections by protozoan parasites account for a significant disease burden and socio-economic cost in endemic countries. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms and strategies by which parasites employ lipids to secure parasite survival may provide important and novel insights towards the identification and development of novel antiparasitic drug targets and therapies.
This Research Topic therefore welcomes Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Reviews, and Minireviews covering but not limited to the following areas of lipids in host and parasite interactions:
• Modulation of host cell lipid homeostasis
• Molecular mechanisms of lipid droplet biogenesis and translocation
• Lipid binding/modifying proteins and enzymes
• Function of free GPIs
• Parasite lipid synthesis and metabolism
Lipids fulfil an array of biological functions beyond energy storage. They function in the formation of membranes, which equip the cell with an external barrier and allow for intracellular compartmentalization, thereby creating microenvironments that are specific to the function of the organelle. Lipids are also dynamic and versatile molecules that enable a cell to divide and reproduce. They govern the membrane trafficking machinery which transports proteins and other macromolecular cargo and maintain cellular homeostasis. They act as important messengers in extra- and intracellular signaling and signal transduction.
Research over the last decade, highlights the increasing importance of lipids in host-parasite interactions. Various studies have demonstrated the ability of protozoan parasites to modulate host cell lipid homeostasis, to acquire and divert lipids from their hosts to support the proliferation and synthesis of their own complex lipids, and to regulate cellular differentiation. Another prominent pathogen-induced feature is the formation of lipid-rich organelles and lipid droplets in the host cell cytoplasm for the purposes of nutrient acquisition and host immune evasion. Protozoan parasites utilize lipid rafts, sterol- and sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains in parasite and host membranes to facilitate host cell invasion and evade immune response. And lastly, individual signaling lipids have also come into focus by playing fundamental roles in parasite organelle function and biogenesis.
Infections by protozoan parasites account for a significant disease burden and socio-economic cost in endemic countries. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms and strategies by which parasites employ lipids to secure parasite survival may provide important and novel insights towards the identification and development of novel antiparasitic drug targets and therapies.
This Research Topic therefore welcomes Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Reviews, and Minireviews covering but not limited to the following areas of lipids in host and parasite interactions:
• Modulation of host cell lipid homeostasis
• Molecular mechanisms of lipid droplet biogenesis and translocation
• Lipid binding/modifying proteins and enzymes
• Function of free GPIs
• Parasite lipid synthesis and metabolism