Cellular Interactions between Protozoan Pathogens and Hosts

Dear Colleagues,

Protozoan pathogens are responsible for several important human and animal diseases. Included among these diseases are malaria, African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, amebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, and other coccidioses. Even though protozoa are single-cell eukaryotic organisms, these various pathogenic protozoa are quite distinct from each other in regards to their genetics and cell biology, and many exhibit unique cellular features not found in their hosts. Some of these unique features are highly specialized mechanisms by which they interact with their hosts, and in some cases vectors. These specialized adaptations facilitate infection of the host, survival within the host, and transmission to other hosts. Quite often these interactions involve cell-cell accociations between the protozoan and host via unique structures or proteins, which may also contribute to disease pathogenesis. A better understanding of these host-pathogen interactions at a cellular and molecular levels may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic approaches in treating and controlling these diseases.

This special issue will explore cellular interactions between protozoan pathogens and their hosts. This can include characterization of interactions at the ultrastructural or molecular levels, as well as the genes involved in these interactions. Interactions can include adherence between host and pathogen, modification of the host by the pathogen, or damage to the host caused by the pathogen.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease.

Dr. Mark F. Wiser
Guest Editor

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