Molecular Interactions between Trypanosomatidae Parasites and Their Hosts: From Infection to Pathogenesis and Control

Dear Colleagues,

Despite extensive research and intervention that has so far been performed, more than 30 million people worldwide are still infected by pathogens belonging to the Trypanosomatidae family and as many as 100,000 persons die every year from Trypanosoma brucei spp., T. cruzi, or Leishmania spp. infections. Besides their medical impact, these unique unicellular eukaryotes can also infect cattle, pets, and wildlife, they are also parasites of fishes and plants, therefore having an impact on food security in areas where they are present. This family of pathogens therefore perfectly echoes the OneHealth concept definition. They possess particularly complex life cycles that depend on the genus or even the species considered and that includes arthropod vectors belonging to the Hemiptera and Diptera orders. Within their arthropod vector, the morphology of these parasitic organisms alternates between streamlined flagellated mobile extracellular stages and ovoid intracellular or intratissular forms without apparent flagellum. The long evolutionary history of these parasites with their host has shaped the balance between attack, transmission, and defense strategies. Sophisticates’ molecular interactions ensure their penetration, replication and transmission, and have a crucial role in their host's responses (vertebrates, arthropods and even plants), under mutual selective pressures. Therefore, characterization of molecular dialogues and conflicts that Trypanosomatidae parasites maintain with their arthropod, vertebrate or plant hosts are of help to develop innovative tools in order to combat these infections.

This Special Issue of Microorganisms will gather relevant papers reporting recent advances in research, from basic to translational studies. We invite you to send relevant contributions, either in the form of original research or review papers, covering different aspects of Trypanosomatidae diversity, including molecular and cell biology, immunology, diagnosis, host–parasite interaction, vector biology, epidemiology-derived control tools, and development of vaccines and drugs.

Dr. Philippe Holzmüller
Dr. Denis Sereno
Guest Editors

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