Parasite infections: how inflammation alters brain function

Isabela de Brito Duval; Marcelo Eduardo Cardozo; Jorge Lucas Nascimento Souza; Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito; Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara; Lilian Lacerda Bueno; Luisa Mourão Dias Magalhães

doi:10.1016/j.pt.2024.12.005

Parasite infections: how inflammation alters brain function

Trends Parasitol. 2025 Jan 7:S1471-4922(24)00367-2. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.12.005. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Isabela de Brito Duval¹, Marcelo Eduardo Cardozo², Jorge Lucas Nascimento Souza², Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito¹, Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara², Lilian Lacerda Bueno², Luisa Mourão Dias Magalhães³

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Interactions in Immuno-Parasitology, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil; Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil.
² Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil.
³ Laboratory of Interactions in Immuno-Parasitology, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 39779386
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.12.005

Abstract

Parasitic infections can profoundly impact brain function through inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS). Once viewed as an immune-privileged site, the CNS is now recognized as vulnerable to immune disruptions from both local and systemic infections. Recent studies reveal that certain parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, can invade the CNS or influence it indirectly by triggering neuroinflammation. These processes may disrupt brain homeostasis, influence neurotransmission, and lead to significant behavioral or cognitive changes. This review discusses the pathways by which parasites disrupt CNS function and highlights systemic inflammation as a critical link between peripheral infections and neuroinflammatory conditions, advancing understanding of parasite-associated neurological complications.

Keywords: CNS; cytokines; helminths; neuroinflammation; protozoa; systemic infection.

Publication types

Review