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Updated: Oct 24, 2025
In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host
Published on: July 27, 2010
Leishmaniasis: the act of transmission
Tiago D Serafim1, Iliano V Coutinho-Abreu1, Ranadhir Dey2
1Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
Abstract:
The contribution of vector transmission to pathogen establishment is largely underrated. For Leishmania, transmission by sand flies is critical to early survival involving an irreproducible myriad of parasite, vector, and host molecules acting in concert to promote infection at the bite site. Here, we review recent breakthroughs that provide consequential insights into how vector transmission of Leishmania unfolds. We focus on recent work pertaining to the effect of gut microbiota, sand fly immunity, and changes in metacyclogenesis upon multiple blood meals, on Leishmania development and transmission. We also explore how sand fly saliva, egested parasite molecules and vector gut microbiota, and bleeding have been implicated in modulating the early innate host response to Leishmania, affecting the phenotype of neutrophils and monocytes arriving at the bite site.
Insights
Vector-borne transmission is crucial for Leishmania survival. This review highlights how sand fly gut microbiota, immunity, and saliva influence parasite development and host immune responses at the bite site, impacting infection establishment.
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne diseases
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- The role of vector transmission in pathogen establishment is often underestimated.
- Sand fly transmission is critical for the early survival of Leishmania parasites.
- Successful infection involves complex interactions between parasite, vector, and host molecules at the bite site.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent breakthroughs in understanding Leishmania vector transmission.
- To focus on the impact of sand fly gut microbiota, immunity, and metacyclogenesis on parasite development.
- To explore how vector components modulate the early host innate immune response.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on Leishmania transmission.
- Analysis of studies investigating sand fly gut microbiota and immunity.
- Examination of research on metacyclogenesis and its relation to blood meals.
- Exploration of the role of sand fly saliva and egested molecules.
Main Results:
- Sand fly gut microbiota, immunity, and metacyclogenesis significantly affect Leishmania development and transmission.
- Sand fly saliva, egested parasite molecules, and gut microbiota modulate the early host innate immune response.
- Vector components influence the phenotype of neutrophils and monocytes at the bite site, impacting infection.
Conclusions:
- Vector transmission dynamics are key to Leishmania pathogenesis.
- Understanding these dynamics offers potential targets for controlling Leishmania infections.
- Further research into the intricate interplay between parasite, vector, and host is essential.
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