Non-vertebrate models to study parasite invasion of the central nervous system

Abstract

Infections of the central nervous system due to neuroparasites have contributed significantly to morbidity and mortality. In part, this is because of our incomplete understanding of parasite traversal of the blood-brain barrier, a key step in the development of central nervous system infections, and the lack of available drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier to gain entry into the brain to kill parasites. The novel in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of the blood-brain barrier can offer strategies to elucidate the physical barriers, cellular mechanisms and molecular elements participating from both sides of parasite-host interactions leading to neuropathogenesis. Improving our knowledge of these core processes might elevate the efficiency of therapy of diseases caused by them.