Molecular pathogenesis of Cryptosporidium and advancements in therapeutic interventions

作者：Yilong Lu, Xiaoning Zhang, Zhiyu Guan, Rui Ji, Fujun Peng, Chunzhen Zhao, Wei Dong Gao, Feng Gao · 发表于：Parasite · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1051/parasite/2025001 · 被引用次数：8 · 研究领域：Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics、Amoebic Infections and Treatments、Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia detection and treatment

Cryptosporidiosis, caused by a Cryptosporidium infection, is a serious gastrointestinal disease commonly leading to diarrhea in humans. This disease poses a particular threat to infants, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. The treatment of cryptosporidiosis is challenging due to the current lack of an effective treatment or vaccine. Ongoing research is focused on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of Cryptosporidium and developing pharmacological treatments. In this review, we examine the signaling pathways activated by Cryptosporidium infection within the host and their role in protecting host epithelial cells. Additionally, we also review the research progress of chemotherapeutic targets against cryptosporidia-specific enzymes and anti-Cryptosporidium drugs (including Chinese and Western medicinal drugs), aiming at the development of more effective treatments for cryptosporidiosis.