Parasites and Host Interactions

Environmental RNA improves detection and surveillance of schistosomiasis transmission

This study develops and validates an environmental RNA (eRNA) method to detect and quantify specific life stages of Schistosoma mansoni in water samples, outperforming environmental DNA (eDNA) in sensitivity and stage discrimination.

Expression of TRPMPZQ in excitable cells and sensory structures throughout the Schistosoma mansoni lifecycle

This study uses immunolocalization and single-cell RNAseq to show TRPMPZQ expression in excitable cells and sensory structures across Schistosoma mansoni life stages, with reduced expression in PZQ-resistant strains.

Misleading inference of schistosome epidemiology from ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and mitochondrial DNA

Whole-genome SNVs from Nigerian schistosomes show cox1/ITS genotyping wrongly flags human-derived parasites as recent hybrids or zoonotic infections; they are S. haematobium with low livestock introgression.

Liver-Resident Metabolic Reprogramming and Th2/1 Cell Accumulation Drive Anti-Helminth Immunity During H. bakeri InfectionRunning title: Liver metabolic-immune crosstalk in helminth infection

{triangleup}9-Tetrahydrocannabinol exposure shifts eosinophil and macrophage transcriptional programs towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype in helminth infection

THC reduces inflammatory responses and reprograms lung eosinophils and macrophages during helminth infection.

Development, field-testing and optimization of tools to quantify soil-transmitted helminths in fecal sludge from school pit latrines in Ethiopia

The paper develops and tests tools to quantify soil-transmitted helminth eggs in fecal sludge from school pit latrines in Ethiopia, finding that latrine-based surveys can be as precise as stool-based surveys for certain parasites.

In vitro sexual dimorphism establishment in schistosomes

This paper refines an in vitro protocol for culturing schistosomes to achieve sexual dimorphism, showing that human serum promotes red blood cell digestion and sexual differentiation compared to fetal bovine serum.

Population genomics reveals multi-scale mechanisms sustaining schistosomiasis re-emergence in a near-elimination setting

The paper uses population genomics to analyze Schistosoma japonicum re-emergence in Sichuan, China, revealing a diverse parasite population maintained in reservoirs and a regional transmission network.

Evolutionary adaptation of helminth immunomodulators to their hosts

This study investigates the evolutionary adaptation of helminth immunomodulators by analyzing the ARI family in different nematode species and their interactions with host IL-33 and heparan sulphate.

Inhibition of release of intestinal extracellular vesicles in Ascaris suum and immune modulation by the anthelminthic, ivermectin

This study shows ivermectin inhibits intestinal extracellular vesicle release in Ascaris suum and modulates immune-related proteins in these vesicles, with an IC50 of 64 nM.

Proteomic reprogramming of ileal epithelial cells during homologous superimposed intestinal trematode infection reveals coordinated restoration of intestinal homeostasis

The paper uses proteomics to analyze ileal epithelial cells during primary and repeated E. caproni infections, revealing coordinated metabolic and immune responses that restore intestinal homeostasis.

Characterizing Excretory-Secretory Products Proteome Across Larval Development Stages in Ascaris suum

This study characterizes the excretory-secretory proteome of Ascaris suum larvae across developmental stages to identify potential therapeutic targets for ascariasis prevention.

A basophil-specific GPCR mediates the immune response to helminth infection

This study identifies Mrgpra6 as a basophil-specific GPCR essential for host defense against helminth infection, showing its role in innate immunity and parasite control.

Pooled amplicon sequencing for characterizing mutations in the praziquantel molecular target TRPMPZQ in schistosome populations from Western Kenya

This study analyzes mutations in the Praziquantel target gene Sm.TRPMPZQ in schistosome populations from Western Kenya to assess their role in drug resistance.

Mimics of the chordate gut-brain hormone neurotensin in parasitic intestinal hookworms

This study identifies a new family of hookworm peptides that mimic the chordate gut-brain hormone neurotensin, showing structural and functional similarity to modulate gut function.

Biophysical characterization of novel biomarkers and bioaffinity reagents (NanoMIPs): on the road for a low-cost diagnostic test for intestinal schistosomiasis

The paper characterizes SmVAL11 and SmVAL13 as potential biomarkers for intestinal schistosomiasis and evaluates their recognition by antibodies and nanoMIPs for diagnostic development.

Direct measurement of in vitro response to Praziquantel in Schistosoma mansoni populations from Western Kenya

The paper directly assays PZQ response in S. mansoni worms from Western Kenya and finds no evidence of PZQ resistance.

Host-derived lipoprotein is an environmental cue for asexual reproduction via a lipoprotein receptor homolog in a cestode

This study identifies high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as a host-derived cue triggering asexual reproduction in the cestode Mesocestoides vogae via an HDL receptor homolog.

The secreted elastase SjCE2b drives host skin penetration by Schistosoma japonicum

This study identifies SjCE2b as a critical elastase for Schistosoma japonicum cercariae skin penetration, showing it degrades host proteins and is neutralized by antibodies to reduce worm burden.

Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics unveils key regulators governing cell differentiation for Schistosoma japonicum sexual development

G protein-coupled receptor SmGPCR9 interacts with neuropeptides and controls spermatogenesis in Schistosoma mansoni

This study identifies SmGPCR9 as a GPCR involved in spermatogenesis and reproductive biology in Schistosoma mansoni, showing interactions with neuropeptides and functional effects through RNAi.

Schistosoma mansoni Granulin binds the human neutrophil receptor CD177 and modulates neutrophil activation

This study identifies CD177 as a receptor for Schistosoma mansoni Granulin, showing it modulates neutrophil activation and function during infection.

Caecal epithelium-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin is not required for protective immunity against whipworm

This study shows that caecal epithelium-derived TSLP is not required for protective immunity against whipworm, but non-epithelial TSLP upregulation during infection is critical.

Identification and Inhibition of GLUT like proteins in Trichuris spp as a druggable target

This paper identifies putative glucose transporters in Trichuris spp and shows phloretin may inhibit glucose uptake, suggesting a new target for anthelminthic drug discovery.

Schistosoma japonicum Histone Acetyltransferase 1 (SjHAT1): A Novel Anti-schistosomal Drug Target

This paper identifies SjHAT1 as a potential drug target for schistosomiasis by showing its essential role in parasite survival and reproduction through functional and expression analyses.

Laboratory adaptation and complete genome assembly of a Beposo, Ghana strain of the human hookworm Necator americanus

The paper adapts an African Necator americanus strain to laboratory conditions and generates a high-quality genome assembly for further study.

Ambient temperature storage of individual parasitic nematode larvae for whole-genome sequencing.

The paper compares ambient temperature storage methods for parasitic nematode larvae before whole-genome sequencing, finding DESS buffer performs better than FTA cards for individual larvae but comparable results for pooled samples.

Host-specific platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase selectively remodels diacylglycerophospholipids to control schistosome development

This study identifies host-derived PAFAH as a schistosomicidal phospholipase that remodels diacylglycerophospholipids, impairing schistosome development and survival.

Modeling environmental surveillance of Dracunculus medinensis in aquatic habitats using a three-dimensional agent-based model

This paper develops a 3D agent-based model to simulate Guinea worm larval dispersal and copepod infection dynamics, showing that detection is constrained by ecological factors like dispersal, copepod density, and pond size.

Neuronally sensed oxygen drives behavior and development in human-infective, skin-penetrating nematodes

This study shows that skin-penetrating parasitic nematodes detect and respond to oxygen levels, with neuronal sensing influencing behavior and development.