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8482650 
Journal Article 
Review 
Host-Malaria Parasite Interactions and Impacts on Mutual Evolution 
Su, XZ; Zhang, C; Joy, DA; , 
2020 
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
ISSN: 2235-2988 
FRONTIERS MEDIA SA 
LAUSANNE 
10 
587933 
English 
33194831 
WOS:000587704900001 
Malaria is the most deadly parasitic disease, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Malaria parasites have been associated with their hosts for millions of years. During the long history of host-parasite co-evolution, both parasites and hosts have applied pressure on each other through complex host-parasite molecular interactions. Whereas the hosts activate various immune mechanisms to remove parasites during an infection, the parasites attempt to evade host immunity by diversifying their genome and switching expression of targets of the host immune system. Human intervention to control the disease such as antimalarial drugs and vaccination can greatly alter parasite population dynamics and evolution, particularly the massive applications of antimalarial drugs in recent human history. Vaccination is likely the best method to prevent the disease; however, a partially protective vaccine may have unwanted consequences that require further investigation. Studies of host-parasite interactions and co-evolution will provide important information for designing safe and effective vaccines and for preventing drug resistance. In this essay, we will discuss some interesting molecules involved in host-parasite interactions, including important parasite antigens. We also discuss subjects relevant to drug and vaccine development and some approaches for studying host-parasite interactions. 
Antimalarials; Index Medicus; Plasmodium; vaccine; selection; genome diversity; immunity; population; Animals; Host-Parasite Interactions; Malaria -- prevention & control; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases