Role of Apoptosis in Parasitic Infections: Therapeutic Targets and Strategies

Apoptosis represents an intricately orchestrated biological phenomenon and a crucial component of the host’s immune response against invading pathogens. Upon intrusion by infectious agents, cells undergo apoptosis as a deliberate mechanism to hinder disease progression within the host. Parasitic infections balance the host’s immune responses and the parasite’s survival strategies. Hence, regulation of apoptosis emerges as a great strategy for parasites, as supported by countless studies. Parasites interfere with the host’s distinct apoptotic pathways to ensure their continued existence. Some parasites delay host cell apoptosis to secure their shelter and source of nourishment, facilitating intracellular parasite survival. Others promote apoptosis to release themselves near neighboring host cells, which uptake the parasites and ensure their propagation and dissemination within the host. This interplay between cellular apoptosis and parasitic survival strategies has prompted researchers to seek ways to control parasitic diseases. Potential drug targets can be identified by determining pivotal molecular components within signaling pathways governing apoptosis. This enables the development of pharmaceutical agents to inhibit the parasite’s advantageous manipulation of host cell apoptosis. This chapter extensively explores various parasites’ strategies for survival by exploiting host cell apoptotic mechanisms, as well as insights into drug target identification and formulation of effective therapeutic interventions.