Latest Research in Parasitology: Unlocking Mechanisms, Developing Solutions

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 367

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
Interests: parasitology; experimental antiparasitic pharmacology; apicomplexa; toxoplasmosis; malaria; natural products

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
Interests: vanadium; metals; inhalation; iung diseases; parasitology; plasmodium yoelii

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Parasitology research plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating the impacts of parasitic organisms on human, animal, and environmental health. Some parasitic diseases account for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, while others are classified as neglected diseases, disproportionately affecting underserved communities. Some parasites have zoonotic potential, emphasizing the importance of a One Health approach to studying their dynamics. The development of drug resistance among parasites, such as Plasmodium spp., underscores the need for innovative therapeutics and alternative treatment strategies. Parasitology research is essential in tackling pressing health and environmental challenges, promoting sustainable development, and improving quality of life. Continued investment in this field will lead to innovative solutions for combating parasitic diseases and ensuring future global health.

This Special Issue will showcase cutting-edge research and advancements in parasitology, highlighting the significance of this field in addressing global health challenges, ecological dynamics, and issues in the veterinary sciences. The scope covers diverse aspects of parasitology, ranging from molecular mechanisms to the control of parasitic diseases. By bringing together multidisciplinary studies, this Special Issue will foster collaboration and innovation to improve our understanding and management of parasitic infections. Key areas of interest include molecular and cellular parasitology, host–parasite interactions, immune response and pathogenesis, parasite omics, novel drugs and therapeutic targets, veterinary parasitology, and the One Health approach. 

Dr. Norma Rivera-Fernández
Prof. Dr. Teresa I. Fortoul
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • parasites
  • parasitology
  • veterinary parasitology
  • one health approach
  • parasitology research

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 4406 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic and Immunopathological Profiles of Inflammasomes in Different Clinical Forms of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
by Larissa dos Santos Alcântara, Marliane Batista Campos, Ana Carolina Stocco Lima, Alessandra Pontillo, Kamilla Batista da Silva Souza, Aurea Favero Ferreira, Cristina Pires Camargo, Sueli Mieko Oba-Shinjo, Márcia Dalastra Laurenti, Carlos Eduardo Pereira Corbett, Vania L. R. da Matta, Helder Nakaya, Fernando T. Silveira and Claudia Maria de Castro Gomes
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13050980 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and L. (Viannia) braziliensis, presents a wide spectrum of clinical and immunopathological manifestations, ranging from localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) to severe forms like anergic diffuse cutaneous (ADCL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Despite evidence [...] Read more.
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and L. (Viannia) braziliensis, presents a wide spectrum of clinical and immunopathological manifestations, ranging from localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) to severe forms like anergic diffuse cutaneous (ADCL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Despite evidence of the immune response’s complexity, the role of inflammasomes in disease severity and parasite persistence remains unclear. We investigated the transcriptomic and immunopathological profiles of inflammasome components in patient lesions across the clinical spectrum. Genes such as NLRP3, AIM2, NLRP12, NLRC4, CASP1, CASP5, GSDMD, and IL1B and all evaluated proteins, showed higher expression in ACL compared to healthy controls. Distinct inflammasome activation patterns were observed: MCL, the hyperreactive form, showed elevated NLRP3, AIM2, and IL-1β, indicating an intensified inflammatory environment. ADCL, the hyporeactive form, displayed increased NLRP12 and NLRC4 expression with reduced GSDMD. Localized forms showed transitional profiles, highlighting ACL’s multifactorial pathogenesis. These findings advance our understanding of inflammasome mechanisms in ACL, identifying potential therapeutic targets to modulate inflammation and improve management. Full article
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