Parasite Chemical Biology: Host–parasite Interactions and Mechanisms of Action of Antiparasitic Drugs

Parasites have evolved intricate chemical and molecular strategies to manipulate host pathways, remodel cellular environments, and resist pharmacological pressure. Despite extensive genomic and transcriptomic resources, the functional interpretation of these processes often remains elusive due to the complexity of host–parasite systems and the dynamic nature of chemical communication at the molecular level.Recent advances in chemical biology, metabolomics, structural modeling and advance imaging techniques are opening new avenues to visualize and quantify these interactions, providing insight into drug–target engagement, metabolic rewiring, and redox regulation in parasites. Understanding these mechanisms at a chemical–molecular scale is essential not only for clarifying parasite biology but also for guiding rational drug design and overcoming emerging resistance.Parasitic diseases remain a persistent global health challenge, driven by the remarkable adaptability of parasites to their hosts and the emergence of drug resistance. While major advances have been achieved in genomics and molecular parasitology, the chemical basis of host–parasite interactions and the molecular mechanisms underlying drug action and resistance remain poorly understood. This Research Topic aims to bridge chemical biology, bioimaging and molecular parasitology to uncover how parasites exploit biochemical and structural mechanisms to invade, persist, and evade host defenses. By integrating chemical, structural, imaging and systems-level approaches, this collection seeks to define the chemical principles that govern parasite survival and identify new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. The ultimate goal is to promote a multidisciplinary understanding of how chemical signaling and molecular interactions drive parasitic adaptation, thereby advancing the discovery of innovative antiparasitic strategies.This Research Topic welcomes contributions that integrate chemical biology, omics, imaging and cell/molecular parasitology to elucidate host–parasite communication and mechanisms of drug action. Themes include, but are not limited to:• Molecular interactions between parasites, host cells, and vectors• Mechanisms of drug action and resistance• Structure–function and imaging-based studies of drug targets and signaling pathways• Chemical probes, omics-based discovery, chemoproteomics, and imaging probes• Metabolic and redox adaptation to drug pressure• Transmission-blocking strategiesWe solicit original research, reviews, and perspectives employing experimental, computational, or integrative approaches. Studies spanning a broad range of parasitic systems—protozoa (e.g., kinetoplastids, apicomplexans) and helminths (nematodes, trematodes, cestodes)—and their vectors are especially encouraged, with emphasis on neglected tropical diseases. The goal is to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and expand the chemical understanding of parasitic adaptation and transmission, enabling new therapeutic opportunities. Topic editors: Leticia Pérez Díaz, Victoria Lucia Alonso, Gabriel Rinaldi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75578/parasite-chemical-biology-host-parasite-interactions-and-mechanisms-of-action-of-antiparasitic-drugs