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Chagas disease: the peculiar relationship between parasite and host

Marie-Andrea Atsé1, Alicia Gómez-Barrio1, Cristina Fonseca-Berzal2

  • 1Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain.

Infection
|August 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The immune response influences Chagas disease (CD) progression. Understanding parasite evasion and host immunity is key to developing new therapies for this parasitic infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, often progresses asymptomatically.
  • Only a third of infected individuals develop severe chronic conditions.
  • The immune system's role in CD pathogenesis is critical but not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex interplay between the host immune response and Trypanosoma cruzi.
  • To explore how immune mechanisms influence Chagas disease progression and severity.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing chronic Chagas disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Chagas disease immunology.
  • Analysis of innate and adaptive immune cell functions in CD.
  • Examination of cytokine profiles (Th1/Th2) and their impact on disease outcome.

Main Results:

  • Innate and adaptive immunity employ mechanisms like nitric oxide, antibodies, and cell-mediated cytotoxicity against T. cruzi.
  • Parasite evasion strategies and host immune responses, including immunopathology, contribute to chronic disease development.
  • The balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines dictates disease severity.

Conclusions:

  • Immune responses are crucial in determining Chagas disease progression and clinical outcomes.
  • Parasite persistence and host immunopathology are key factors in the symptomatic phase of CD.
  • Targeting immune mediators offers potential for novel therapeutic interventions against Chagas disease.

Keywords:
Trypanosoma cruziAdaptive immunityImmune evasionImmunopathologyInnate immunity

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