Noncoding RNAs in Parasite-Vector-Host Interactions

Abstract

Systems biology approaches, especially in the big data era, have revolutionized modern parasitology. Of the many different molecules participating in parasite-host interactions, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are now known to be (i) transmitted by the vector to possibly modulate vertebrate host responses and favor vector survival and (ii) regulated in the host by parasites to favor parasite survival. Here we provide an overview of the involvement of ncRNAs in the parasite-vector-host triad and their effect on host homeostasis based on recent advances and accumulating knowledge about the role of endogenous vertebrate noncoding RNAs in vertebrate host physiology.

Keywords: arthropod vectors; epigenetics; miRNA; noncoding RNA; parasite–vertebrate–host interaction; pathogenesis.