Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant issue impacting public health. Schistosoma sp. is a human parasite that utilizes components from its host blood for nutrition and survival. In order to penetrate the host skin, the aquatic form of Schistosoma, the cercariae releases serine proteases. The parasitic worm, once fully matured, releases cathepsins or cysteine proteases that play a crucial role in its ability to extract essential nutrients from the host’s blood effectively. This mechanism not only secures the worm’s nourishment but also facilitates its survival and shields it from the host’s immune system. Different cathepsins can be identified that differ in their specificities and share similarities in sequence and structure. Significant distinctions exist among the three species of Schistosoma in terms of the specific types of proteases they possess. Consequently, these differences impact their respective abilities to invade the host and elude immune responses.
This Research Topic aims to investigate the proteases secreted by different forms of the Schistosoma parasite, with a focus on understanding their role in evading the host’s immune system. The specific objectives are to examine the variations in protease composition among different Schistosoma species and to elucidate how these enzymes strategically function regarding essential components in the host’s blood.
Additionally, this article collection seeks to unravel the host’s immune responses aimed at neutralizing these proteases. By understanding the host’s defense mechanisms, valuable insights can be gained to inform the development of efficient therapeutics or remedies for schistosomiasis, specifically targeting the parasite’s proteases.
By addressing these research objectives, we aim to contribute to the knowledge base surrounding the complex interplay between Schistosoma species, their secreted proteases, and the host immune response. Ultimately, this investigation has the potential to improve our understanding of schistosomiasis pathogenesis and provide valuable avenues for therapeutic interventions.
This Research Topic welcomes a range of articles such as Review Articles, Original Research, Reviews, Case Report, Mini Review that explore the following:
i) Schistosoma immune evasion Cathepsins types.
ii) Serine proteases differences between Schistosoma sp.
iii) Evaded immune molecules such as complement molecules.
iv) Host mechanisms and memory innate specific evasion.
v) Adaptive immune escape immunometabolism during infection
We encourage authors with expertise in Schistosoma sps., particularly those who have built experiences and interest in parasite immune evasion. We extend an invitation to individuals possessing knowledge and expertise concerning the different types of cathepsins and serine proteases, as well as their intricate involvement in the modulation and evasion of the host’s immune system by the Schistosoma parasite. Furthermore, we also invite individuals who possess knowledge about the mechanisms developed by the host’s immune system, including immune memory, to effectively neutralize Schistosoma parasite infections. Such individuals are highly encouraged to contribute their insights and experiences to further enrich our understanding of these mechanisms.
Keywords:
Immune Escape, Schistosoma, Cathepsins, Cercariae, Serine Proteases, Innate Immune Cells, Complement Molecules, Adaptive Immunity
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.
Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant issue impacting public health. Schistosoma sp. is a human parasite that utilizes components from its host blood for nutrition and survival. In order to penetrate the host skin, the aquatic form of Schistosoma, the cercariae releases serine proteases. The parasitic worm, once fully matured, releases cathepsins or cysteine proteases that play a crucial role in its ability to extract essential nutrients from the host’s blood effectively. This mechanism not only secures the worm’s nourishment but also facilitates its survival and shields it from the host’s immune system. Different cathepsins can be identified that differ in their specificities and share similarities in sequence and structure. Significant distinctions exist among the three species of Schistosoma in terms of the specific types of proteases they possess. Consequently, these differences impact their respective abilities to invade the host and elude immune responses.
This Research Topic aims to investigate the proteases secreted by different forms of the Schistosoma parasite, with a focus on understanding their role in evading the host’s immune system. The specific objectives are to examine the variations in protease composition among different Schistosoma species and to elucidate how these enzymes strategically function regarding essential components in the host’s blood.
Additionally, this article collection seeks to unravel the host’s immune responses aimed at neutralizing these proteases. By understanding the host’s defense mechanisms, valuable insights can be gained to inform the development of efficient therapeutics or remedies for schistosomiasis, specifically targeting the parasite’s proteases.
By addressing these research objectives, we aim to contribute to the knowledge base surrounding the complex interplay between Schistosoma species, their secreted proteases, and the host immune response. Ultimately, this investigation has the potential to improve our understanding of schistosomiasis pathogenesis and provide valuable avenues for therapeutic interventions.
This Research Topic welcomes a range of articles such as Review Articles, Original Research, Reviews, Case Report, Mini Review that explore the following:
i) Schistosoma immune evasion Cathepsins types.
ii) Serine proteases differences between Schistosoma sp.
iii) Evaded immune molecules such as complement molecules.
iv) Host mechanisms and memory innate specific evasion.
v) Adaptive immune escape immunometabolism during infection
We encourage authors with expertise in Schistosoma sps., particularly those who have built experiences and interest in parasite immune evasion. We extend an invitation to individuals possessing knowledge and expertise concerning the different types of cathepsins and serine proteases, as well as their intricate involvement in the modulation and evasion of the host’s immune system by the Schistosoma parasite. Furthermore, we also invite individuals who possess knowledge about the mechanisms developed by the host’s immune system, including immune memory, to effectively neutralize Schistosoma parasite infections. Such individuals are highly encouraged to contribute their insights and experiences to further enrich our understanding of these mechanisms.
Keywords:
Immune Escape, Schistosoma, Cathepsins, Cercariae, Serine Proteases, Innate Immune Cells, Complement Molecules, Adaptive Immunity
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.