Decoding the molecular dialogue between protozoan parasites and host immunity: From mechanisms to translational strategies

Protozoan immunology explores the complex and dynamic interactions between protozoan pathogens and host immune defenses. Protozoan infections such as Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Toxoplasma continue to impose substantial global health and socioeconomic burdens, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. These protozoa have evolved intricate strategies to evade and manipulate host immune responses—through mechanisms like antigenic variation, immune suppression, and intracellular survival—while the host mounts layered innate and adaptive defenses to limit infection. Despite considerable progress, classic reductionist or single-discipline studies have struggled to elucidate the systems-level complexity of these interactions. The emergence of multi-omics technologies—including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and single-cell omics—has transformed our ability to capture high-resolution molecular landscapes of host–parasite interplay, paving the way for integrated analyses that bridge basic discovery and translational innovation.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the molecular, cellular, and systemic crosstalk between protozoan parasites and host immunity through the integration of multi-omics and computational approaches. It seeks to address the persistent gap in translating omics-based discoveries into clinical and public health applications. Specifically, this effort will foster research that dissects immune evasion and modulation mechanisms, identifies novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets, and elucidates the dynamic regulation of infection outcomes across species and environments. Recent advances such as single-cell multi-omics, spatial omics, and AI-driven data integration have opened unprecedented opportunities to decode protozoan–host networks. By gathering diverse studies under this framework, the Research Topic aims to promote mechanistic insights, innovation in diagnostics, vaccines, and immunotherapies, and holistic strategies aligned with the One Health approach.The Research Topic encompasses fundamental and translational research at the intersection of protozoan biology, immunity, and omics-driven technologies. It covers multiple protozoan pathogens and emphasizes both mechanistic investigation and applied innovation. To gather further insights into molecular and immunological frontiers in protozoan–host interactions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Multi-omics-driven characterization of protozoan–host immune crosstalk (e.g., Plasmodium–host, Leishmania–host)• Mechanisms of immune regulation, evasion, and manipulation by clinically relevant protozoa• Omics-based discovery of diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and vaccine candidates for protozoan infections• Methodological advancements and technological innovations in omics and immune profiling for protozoan research• One Health perspectives on protozoa, their vectors, and host immune interactionsWe welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives that contribute to these themes, fostering interdisciplinary and translational advances in protozoan immunology. Topic editors: Sasa Teng, Xin Li, Jingtong Zheng, Yuanhua Qin Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83050/decoding-the-molecular-dialogue-between-protozoan-parasites-and-host-immunity-from-mechanisms-to-translational-strategies