Advances in Immunology of Neglected Tropical Diseases: New Control Tools and Prospects for Disease Elimination
1Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
2Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
3Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Advances in Immunology of Neglected Tropical Diseases: New Control Tools and Prospects for Disease Elimination
Description
The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases with high endemicity in tropical and subtropical regions, disproportionately affecting the developing countries. The immune response to NTD agents has been previously described in a very simplistic way; however, over recent decades, new discoveries in this field have enabled NTD researchers to review old data and better understand parasite evasion, modulation of host immune responses, and the immunopathology of infections. Immunological research is also important in the development of the clinical tools available to address such diseases, such as vaccines, diagnostics, and drugs. The control and elimination of NTDs involve both the elucidation and understanding of immune mechanisms during parasite establishment in the host and the development of better tools to improve detection and minimize transmission. Research in this field is critical in order to comprehend the various organisms that cause these diseases and to develop new treatments for them.
This special issue aims to collect original research and review articles concerning recent findings in the field of NTD immunology. Researchers are invited to contribute with submissions which will advance the understanding of the role of immune interactions between parasite and hosts in disease establishment. Submissions discussing the effect of new immunological tools in disease diagnosis and control are also welcomed.
Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:
- Parasite evasion and modulation of immune responses in NTD
- Immune response to NTD parasites
- Immunopathology of NTD parasite infections
- Immunological markers for NTD
- Use of immunological methods for diagnosis and detection of NTD infections
- Advances in NTD vaccine development
- Immunological tools for NTD control
- Novel approaches in immunotherapy for NTDs
- Immunocompromised individuals with NTD infection