Work

Understanding Cell Communication Among Protozoan Parasites

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Infections caused by single-celled protozoan parasites affect countless individuals around the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the significant impact on global health, available therapeutic intervention strategies are still limited. Gaining insight into the mechanisms of infection is essential for developing new vaccines and drug therapies. While host-parasite interactions are well-recognized as critical factors in disease, recent evidence highlights the growing importance of communication among parasites. Various studies indicate that protozoans can interact and communicate with one another, facilitating coordinated behaviors and the emergence of specialized roles within their populations. These interactions help optimize survival strategies and strengthen their response to infections. This review explores how communication among parasites influences social activities, physiological processes, and disease progression.

Source: Molecular Microbiology

DOI: 10.1111/mmi.70005

Authors: Natalia de Miguel, María Carolina Touz, Manuela Blasco Pedreros, Gabriel Luna Pizarro

Institutions: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, National University of General San Martín, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra

Language: English

Topic: Trypanosoma species research and implications

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica

Awards: G184004820, G7604438480, G8646017998