Trying to get rid of protozoan parasites

Abstract

Over the last few decades, extensive scientific research has been focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling host–parasite interactions. A recurrent topic of interest among microbiologists is the fascinating ability of parasitic organisms to adapt to changes in their environment. Most parasites inhabit different niches during their life cycles, developing important adaptive responses that allow them to survive under hostile conditions. For that reason, the life cycles of parasitic protozoan are excellent systems to study many molecular mechanisms involved in cell differentiation and adaptation, such as the regulation of gene expression, the activation of signal transduction pathways, and the biogenesis of organelles involved in some aspects of parasite pathogenesis. The study of these processes can also provide new targets for the development of better therapeutic tools and information regarding the minimal set of molecules and structures associated with the parasitic life style of such organisms.