Alshammari, A. Immunological insights and vaccine advances against apicomplexan parasites: Emerging concepts and innovations. Microb Pathog, 2025 Sep 29, 209:108074.

Alshammari, A. Immunological insights and vaccine advances against apicomplexan parasites: Emerging concepts and innovations. Microb Pathog, 2025 Sep 29, 209:108074. PMID: 41033372

• This study underscores the urgent global health challenge posed by apicomplexan parasites, which cause a range of infectious diseases in humans and animals, compounded by rising drug resistance and the parasites’ complex biology that hampers traditional control methods. The aim of the research is to review and synthesize recent advances in immunology, vaccine platforms, and innovative technologies such as mRNA, CRISPR, and nanotechnology, to highlight the progress made and identify remaining challenges in developing effective, targeted vaccines. Ultimately, the work advocates for a multidisciplinary, One Health approach to translate these scientific innovations into practical solutions that can significantly reduce the burden of apicomplexan-related diseases worldwide.
• The paper reveals significant advancements in the development of vaccines against apicomplexan parasites, including the successful deployment of malaria vaccines like RTS,S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M, as well as innovative approaches such as mRNA vaccine platforms, genetically attenuated strains using CRISPR/Cas9, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems. These technological innovations have improved antigen discovery, vaccine efficacy, and safety profiles, particularly through the enhancement of cellular immunity and mucosal responses. However, the study also highlights persistent challenges such as antigenic variability, short-lived immunity, regulatory obstacles, and limited funding. 
• The document discusses the use of saponin-based adjuvants in vaccine formulations, highlighting their ability to promote strong immune responses, including activation of CD8+ T cells and co-delivery of antigens and adjuvants, particularly against parasites like Plasmodium, Babesia, and Eimeria. These adjuvants are crucial for tailoring immune responses, especially Th1-biased immunity, which is important for intracellular parasitic infections.
• Overall, while progress has been made, achieving highly effective, scalable, and sustainable vaccines against these complex parasites remains a critical goal, requiring continued multidisciplinary research and integration within a One Health framework.

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