Work

Different roads to the brain: A brief overview of divergent pathways and convergent mechanisms in amoebic neuroinvasion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris , and Naegleria fowleri are opportunistic protists capable of causing devastating infections of the central nervous system. Although these organisms differ in ecology, morphology, and clinical progression, they converge on shared strategies that enable adhesion, immune evasion, and neuroinvasion. Here, we briefly present a comparative analysis of their routes of entry, molecular determinants, and neuropathogenic mechanisms with an eye to understand parallel and divergent pathways. A complete understanding of shared and distinct mechanisms can inform translational advances, including organoid-based modelling, multi-omics biomarker discovery, and therapeutic targeting of conserved host-pathogen signalling pathways. • Free-living amoebae can cause central nervous system infections. • Distinct amoebae share strategies for adhesion, immune evasion, and neuroinvasion. • We compare entry routes, molecular determinants, and neuropathogenic mechanisms. • Mechanistic insights inform organoids, multi-omics biomarkers, and therapies.

Source: Infection Genetics and Evolution

DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105888

Authors: Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Sutherland K. Maciver, Naveed Ahmed Khan

Institutions: Heriot-Watt University, Istinye University, University of Edinburgh, University of Derby

Language: English

Topic: Legionella and Acanthamoeba research

Subfield: Endocrinology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,730