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Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Immunometabolic Circuits in Infection for Advancing Host Directed Therapies
Published on: September 13, 2024
Parasites, Infections, and Inoculation in Synthetic Minimal Cells
Brock Cash1, Nathaniel J Gaut1, Christopher Deich1
1Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.
Abstract:
Synthetic minimal cells provide a controllable and engineerable model for biological processes. While much simpler than any live natural cell, synthetic cells offer a chassis for investigating the chemical foundations of key biological processes. Herein, we show a synthetic cell system with host cells, interacting with parasites and undergoing infections of varying severity. We demonstrate how the host can be engineered to resist infection, we investigate the metabolic cost of carrying resistance, and we show an inoculation that immunizes the host against pathogens. Our work expands the synthetic cell engineering toolbox by demonstrating host-pathogen interactions and mechanisms for acquiring immunity. This brings synthetic cell systems one step closer to providing a comprehensive model of complex, natural life.
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