Pathogenic protozoa comprise a large number of eukaryotic microorganisms which are the causative agent of important parasitic diseases. Some affect human and are of high medical relevance as malaria, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, the Chagas disease, sleepiness disease, amebiasis, giardiasis, and trichomoniasis. Others affect animals of large economic interest causing diseases as eimeriosis, bebesiosis, theileriosis, and so on. In addition to their pathogenic importance, these organisms constitute fascinating cell biology models for, at least, two important reasons. First, some of them present unique structures and organelles as glycosomes, kinetoplast, paraflagellar rod, hydrogenosomes, mitosomes, apicoplast, axostyle, costa, and so on. Second, they are able to attach to cells from their host and trigger a process of endocytosis leading to parasite internalization and survival within mammalian cells where part of their life cycle takes place.

The main focus of this special issue will be on the new morphological, biochemical, and molecular information which contribute to a better understanding of the biology of these organisms as well as of their interaction with host cells. It will become an international forum for researchers to summarize the most recent advances and ideas in the field. Special emphasis will be given to studies aiming for the identification of new potential drug targets aiming to contribute to the design of better chemotherapeutic alternatives to treat diseases caused by pathogenic protozoa. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Morphological studies especially those using modern microscopy techniques
• Isolation and morphological and biochemical characterization of cell structures and organelles
• Identification, characterization, and localization of new molecules involved in key regulatory functions
• Cell death
• Cell differentiation
• Protozoa-host cell recognition
• Host cell invasion by protozoa
• Intracellular survival of protozoa
• Protozoa egress from the host cell
• Cytoskeletal functions (actin and microtubules)

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