Investigating immune responses to parasites using transgenesis

Abstract

Parasites comprise diverse and complex organisms, which substantially impact human and animal health. Most parasites have complex life-cycles, and by virtue of co-evolution have developed multifaceted, often life-cycle stage-specific relationships with the immune system of their hosts. The complexity in the biology of many parasites often limits our knowledge of parasite-specific immune responses, to in vitro studies only. The relatively recent development of methods to stably manipulate the genetic make-up of many parasites has allowed a better understanding of host-parasite interactions, particularly in vivo . In this regard, the use of transgenic parasites can facilitate the study of immunomodulatory mechanisms under in vivo conditions. Therefore, in this review, we specifically highlighted the current developments in the use of transgenic parasites to unravel the host’s immune response to different life-cycle stages of some key parasite species such as Leishmania , Schistosoma , Toxoplasma , Plasmodium and Trypanosome and to some degree, the use of transgenic nematode parasites is also briefly discussed.

Prevalence Study of Trichomonas gallinae in Domestic Pigeons in Northeastern Beijing and Experimental Model of Trichomoniasis in White King Squabs Measuring In Situ Apoptosis and Immune Factors in Crop and Esophagus

“…The antigen component of the parasite is complicated and mutative. Parasites also have a complex life history, expressing specific antigens at specific stages [39]. Immune-related factors play a key role as mediators in the immune response to parasitic infection [40].…”

Metallic Nanoparticles and Core-Shell Nanosystems in the Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Parasitic Diseases

“…The host’s immune response to the parasitic infection may be immediate characterized by significantly increased eosinophilia, and mast cell and basophil tissue infiltration. High levels of IgE antibodies were also observed (several times over the norm) as well as the adaptation process of T CD4+ lymphocytes [ 188 , 189 , 190 ]. These cells participate in the Th2 pathway of the immune system and can synthesize IL-4 cytokine that participates in starting physiological reactions to parasitic infections.…”

“Immunoinformatic Identification of T-Cell and B-Cell Epitopes From Giardia lamblia Immunogenic Proteins as Candidates to Develop Peptide-Based Vaccines Against Giardiasis”

“…The establishment of endoparasitic infections rely on the intricate molecular interaction between each specific stage of the life cycle of parasites and the immune responses of their hosts ( Tedla et al., 2019 ; Smith et al., 2021 ). Generally, the integration of innate and adaptive immune responses defines the fate of parasitic infections, therefore immunocompetence, immunopolymorphism and immunological memory of the host are important for the resolution of parasitic infections ( Lima and Lodoen, 2019 ; Mukherjee et al., 2019 ).…”