Apicomplexan parasites are a group of specialized intracellular parasitic protozoa that infect a variety of animals and humans, posing significant medical and economic challenges. Once inside the host cell, these parasites obtain nutrients from the host to support their metabolic processes, growth, and virulence. However, the prevention and control of these parasites currently face various challenges, such as drug resistance, relapse, and the need for higher dosages. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of understanding the metabolic pathways of these parasites to identify effective drug targets. Despite the progress, the absence of complete in-depth genomic analysis and limited means of genetic manipulation for most apicomplexan parasites have left many details of their metabolic pathways unknown. This gap in knowledge underscores the need for further research to elucidate these mechanisms and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

This research topic aims to demonstrate the potential metabolic pathways of apicomplexan parasites and to procure novel effective drug targets against these parasites. By focusing on the metabolic processes that are crucial for the growth and virulence of these intracellular parasites, the research seeks to answer specific questions about the mechanisms involved and test hypotheses related to potential therapeutic interventions. The ultimate objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of these pathways to facilitate the development of new antiparasitic drugs.

To gather further insights into the metabolic pathways of apicomplexan parasites, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Exploration of unveiled metabolic pathways in apicomplexan parasites.
- Novel perspectives on targeting metabolic pathways for therapeutic interventions.
- Recent discoveries in molecular components bridging metabolic pathways.
- Comparative studies of metabolic pathways across different apicomplexan species.
- Advances in genetic manipulation techniques to study metabolic pathways.
- Impact of host-parasite interactions on the metabolic processes of apicomplexan parasites.

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Frontiers in Parasitology

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