Genetic manipulation for the non-model protozoan Eimeria: Advancements, challenges, and future perspective

Eimeria parasites pose a significant global threat to animal health, necessitating improved and cost-effective control measures. Genetic manipulation is pivotal for understanding Eimeria biology and designing targeted control strategies. Recent advancements, including genome sequencing and the development of transient and stable transfection systems, have significantly enhanced insights into the molecular biology of Eimeria. These advancements have paved the way for cutting-edge techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. This review summarizes the key milestones in the development of genetic manipulation platforms for Eimeria and their transformative applications, such as the development of next-generation drugs, vaccines, and Eimeria-based vaccine vectors. Furthermore, this review provides insights that could be applicable to the establishment of genetic tools for other protozoan organisms.