Alice in microbes' land: adaptations and counter-adaptations of vector-borne parasitic protozoa and their hosts.

Guy Caljon,Manu Vanaerschot,Wim Jennes,Jean-Claude Dujardin,Géraldine De Muylder,Lies Durnez,Wilbert Bitter

doi:10.1093/femsre/fuw018

Abstract

In the present review, we aim to provide a general introduction to different facets of the arms race between pathogens and their hosts/environment, emphasizing its evolutionary aspects. We focus on vector-borne parasitic protozoa, which have to adapt to both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Using Leishmania, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium as main models, we review successively (i) the adaptations and counter-adaptations of parasites and their invertebrate host, (ii) the adaptations and counter-adaptations of parasites and their vertebrate host and (iii) the impact of human interventions (chemotherapy, vaccination, vector control and environmental changes) on these adaptations. We conclude by discussing the practical impact this knowledge can have on translational research and public health.

Highlights

Infectious diseases are the result of an evolutionary arms race between pathogens and their hosts
The benefit of studying host–pathogen interactions from an evolutionary perspective lies in identifying defense mechanisms that are fundamentally important, safe and that can stand the test of time
Novel therapeutic strategies relying on host–pathogen interactions aim at targeting host factors or pathways important for pathogen development instead of directly targeting a pathogen function

Summary

Introduction

Infectious diseases are the result of an evolutionary arms race between pathogens and their hosts. Millennia of arms race have led to a biological equilibrium favorable for both pathogens and the host. Understanding these survival strategies and underlying interspecies interactions offers a unique insight in the fundaments of the biology of pathogens and their hosts. This knowledge can lead to the development of new tools to cure or control infectious diseases. As shown by the rapid development of drug resistance and the emergence of new diseases, medical interventions and other ecological interferences will inevitably lead to a new episode in the competition between pathogens and their hosts

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Conclusion