Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.0
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Molecular Research on Parasitic Infection
ijms-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Molecular Research on Parasitic Infection

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 3076

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marcin Wiśniewski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: parasitic infection
Prof. Dr. Piotr Bąska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: immunology; microbiology; veterinary; biochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Parasitic infection remains a major global health challenge for both human and veterinary medicine, affecting millions of people and causing a significant socioeconomic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized our understanding of parasite biology, host–parasite interactions, and immune mechanism evasion. These insights are crucial not only for improving diagnostic tools, but also for designing effective therapies and control strategies. Despite these advances, many parasitic diseases remain understudied, and emerging parasitic diseases pose new challenges. This Special Issue provides a platform to highlight the latest molecular discoveries and their translational applications in parasitology.

We invite researchers to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying parasitic infections. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, parasite genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, host–parasite interactions, mechanisms of drug resistance, and novel therapeutic approaches. By bringing together cutting-edge research, this Special Issue aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the development of innovative strategies to mitigate the effects of parasitic infections.

Prof. Dr. Marcin Wiśniewski
Prof. Dr. Piotr Bąska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • parasitic infections
  • host–parasite interactions
  • parasite genomics
  • drug-resistance mechanisms
  • transcriptomics
  • proteomics
  • diagnostic tools
  • immune evasion
  • therapeutic strategies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 1316 KB  
Article
The Class I Scavenger Receptors CD5 and CD6 Play a Role in the Early Peritoneal Immune Response to Echinococcus granulosus Tegumental Antigens
by Joaquín García-Luna, Cristina Català, Sylvia Dematteis, Francisco Lozano, María Velasco-De-Andrés and Gustavo Mourglia-Ettlin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062870 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 298
Abstract
Scavenger Receptors (SRs) comprise a structurally diverse group of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) involved in sensing non-self (microbial-associated molecular patterns) or altered-self ligands. CD5 and CD6 are class I SRs (SR-I) preferentially expressed by lymphoid cells and characterized by the presence of several [...] Read more.
Scavenger Receptors (SRs) comprise a structurally diverse group of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) involved in sensing non-self (microbial-associated molecular patterns) or altered-self ligands. CD5 and CD6 are class I SRs (SR-I) preferentially expressed by lymphoid cells and characterized by the presence of several tandem scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain repeats. Both receptors interact with diverse microbial structures, including tegumental antigens from Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), the cestode parasite responsible for cystic echinococcosis (CE). This is notable as very few PRRs are currently known to detect parasitic helminths and because the infusion of recombinant soluble CD5 and CD6 proteins has shown prophylactic effects in murine secondary CE. Herein, the role of CD5 and CD6 in early immune responses to E. granulosus s.l. tegumental antigens (PSEx) was analyzed using CD5 (Cd5−/−) and CD6 (Cd6−/−)-deficient mice. Peritoneal B cells and macrophages from wild-type mice displayed specific and dose-dependent PSEx binding, which was impaired in those from Cd5−/− and Cd6−/− mice, supporting direct and/or indirect roles in parasite recognition. Additionally, in vivo exposure of peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) from Cd5−/− and Cd6−/− mice to PSEx showed altered activation profiles, including changes in CD80/CD86 expression, impaired early production of natural polyreactive antibodies, and cytokine shift from a Th1/Th17 to a Th2 profile. These findings strongly support the involvement of CD5 and CD6 receptors in the early immune recognition of E. granulosus s.l. antigens by PECs and influence immune responses critical for host resistance, highlighting their relevance in host–parasite interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Parasitic Infection)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4668 KB  
Article
Proteomic Profiling of an Exosome-Enriched Extracellular Vesicle Fraction and Structural Characterization of SMPDL3A in the Carcinogenic Liver Fluke Clonorchis sinensis
by Seon-Hee Kim, Dongki Yang and Young-An Bae
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020682 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 552
Abstract
Exosomes are important mediators of host–parasite communication and contain diverse molecules that may support the survival of Clonorchis sinensis in the biliary tract. To explore their biochemical properties, exosomes isolated from excretory–secretory products of Korean C. sinensis isolates were characterized through integrated morphological, [...] Read more.
Exosomes are important mediators of host–parasite communication and contain diverse molecules that may support the survival of Clonorchis sinensis in the biliary tract. To explore their biochemical properties, exosomes isolated from excretory–secretory products of Korean C. sinensis isolates were characterized through integrated morphological, proteomic, and gene ontology analyses. The vesicles exhibited typical exosomal size ranges and marker profiles, and their protein components were enriched for cytoskeletal, metabolic, and vesicle-trafficking components relevant to epithelial signaling and immune modulation. Among these proteins, sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3A (SMPDL3A) was examined in detail to obtain molecular evidence suggesting its role in sphingolipid metabolism in the parasite. The C. sinensis SMPDL3A (Cs_SMPDL3A) shared the overall structure and core catalytic residues with mammalian homologs, SMPDL3A and sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1), a finding consistent with the possibility that Cs_SMPDL3A may retain authentic sphingomyelinase activity. Although lacking the saponin B domain of SMPD1, Cs_SMPDL3A carries a C-terminal transmembrane segment that may facilitate sphingomyelin access by positioning the enzyme on lipid bilayers. Collectively, these findings suggest that Cs_SMPDL3A participates in host sphingomyelin turnover, potentially generating ceramide for uptake by SMPD1-lacking C. sinensis or contributing to ceramide-associated immune responses in the biliary tract, offering new insight into lipid-centered host–parasite interactions during clonorchiasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Parasitic Infection)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 7475 KB  
Article
Human Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract Enhances Albendazole Efficacy and Promotes Th1/Th2-Biased Lymphocyte and Antibody Responses in Peritoneal Cavity of Murine Model of Mesocestoides vogae Infection
by Gabriela Hrčková, Dagmar Mudroňová, Katarína Reiterová, Serena Cavallero and Ilaria Bellini
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146994 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1562
Abstract
Human leukocyte extract (HLE), a non-immunogenic dialyzable leukocyte preparation (<10 kDa), may serve as a safe adjuvant in immunotherapy. We investigated the effects of albendazole (ABZ), HLE, and their combination in Mesocestoides vogae infected mice, focusing on lymphoid cells in the peritoneal cavity, [...] Read more.
Human leukocyte extract (HLE), a non-immunogenic dialyzable leukocyte preparation (<10 kDa), may serve as a safe adjuvant in immunotherapy. We investigated the effects of albendazole (ABZ), HLE, and their combination in Mesocestoides vogae infected mice, focusing on lymphoid cells in the peritoneal cavity, the site of larval proliferation and parasite-induced immunosuppression. Peritoneal lymphoid cells were analysed by flow cytometry and qPCR. Cells proliferative responses to ConA, LPS, and parasite excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens, cytokine production (ELISA), IgM and IgG isotypes in exudates and parasite antigen recognition (Western blot) were assessed. Efficacy was measured by larval burden and 14-3-3 gene expression in larvae. HLE combined with ABZ enhanced larval clearance and suppressed 14-3-3 gene expression in larvae. HLE and combination therapy increased CD3+ T cell frequencies, especially CD3+high, reduced regulatory CD3+/IL-10 Tregs and expression of Foxp3+. All treatments diminished CD19+/IL-10+ Bregs, correlating with lower CD9 and Atf3 mRNA levels compared to infected mice. Transcription factors T-bet expression was strongly upregulated, while GATA3 was moderately elevated. IFN-γ production and T/B cell proliferation were restored after HLE and combination therapy, partially, even in the presence of E/S antigens. IgM and total IgG levels against parasite antigens declined, while Th1-associated IgG2a increased in ABZ+HLE and HLE-treated groups. Albendazole failed to reverse the immunosuppressive Treg-type immunity but was more effective in reducing Breg populations and their functions. HLE enhanced ABZ efficacy by restoring Th1 responsiveness, reducing Treg/Breg activity, and modulating antibody profiles. It represents a promising immunomodulatory adjuvant in the treatment of the infections associated with Th2/Treg-driven immunosuppression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Parasitic Infection)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-3
Back to TopTop