The Current View on Apicomplexan Parasites: Structure, Function, Evolution

Dear Colleagues,

Apicomplexan parasites cause serious illnesses, including malaria, in humans and domestic animals. The namesake of this phylum is the apical complex, a structure composed of specific organelles and cytoskeletal elements. How parasitism depends on the specific structure of these protists is still a poorly understood area. The host-parasite interaction is influenced by a number of apicomplexan-specific macromolecules. Apicomplexans contain also the apicoplast, a relict chloroplast. Studying this organelle helps understanding how apicomplexan parasites evolved from their free-living ancestors. Thus, this phylum is an extremely interesting one from evolutionary point of view as well.

The aim of this volume is to provide a broad overview of the current state of apicomplexan research. Therefore, on the one hand, we expect review papers, and on the other hand, articles presenting current results, from all areas of the field. Articles about less popular species are especially welcome (e.g. gregarines) as well as phylogenetic works and structural studies.

Dr. Ferenc Orosz
Guest Editor

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