Investigating Host-Parasite Interactions for the Discovery of Novel Therapies and Vaccine Targets

Dear Colleagues,

Parasite infections are a significant global health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical regions and in communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Helminths (e.g., Schistosoma, Ascaris, Trichuris), unicellular eukaryotes (e.g. Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma), protozoans (e.g., Toxoplasma) and athropods (e.g.,  mosquitoes, ticks) represent diverse groups of organisms that can cause a wide range of diseases, from mild to life-threatening. On the World Health Organization’s list of top 20 priority neglected tropical diseases, 12/20 are caused by parasites.

Understanding the intricate molecular interactions between hosts and parasites is crucial for the development of novel therapies and vaccine targets. Parasites are in a dependent relationship with their hosts and have evolved mechanisms to avoid or suppress host immune responses over millions of years.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advancements in the field of host–parasite interactions, with a particular focus on molecular studies that could inform the development of novel drug and vaccine targets. We are particularly interested in research articles, but reviews will also be considered if they have something new to contribute to the field. We invite contributions from researchers working on a diverse range of host-parasite systems, including but not limited to, the following:

• Soil-transmitted helminths;
• Schistosomiasis;
• Malaria;
• Leishmaniasis;
• Trypanosomiasis;
• Echinococcus;
• Anisakiasis. 

Dr. Natalie Nieuwenhuizen
Guest Editor

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