Genetic Manipulation Tools in Leishmania: From CRISPR/Cas9 to Vaccine Strategies for Disease Control.

PURPOSE: Gene editing technologies have emerged as a crucial approach totackling parasitic infections. Recent research underscores the potential of protozoan parasites, including Leishmania, to utilize gene editing strategies, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas (CRISPR-associated proteins)(CRISPR/Cas9) to edit parasite genomes, modify virulence factors, and alter host immune responses. This review aims to explore the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in the study of Leishmania and Leishmaniasis, focusing on its applications in understanding mechanisms and developing novel editing strategies.

METHODS

The immunological response of the mammalian host and the nature of the Leishmania parasites play essential roles in the formation and progression of parasitic diseases. Among alternative treatment strategies, CRISPR/Cas9 has attracted attention as a promising tool for introducing protective or therapeutic mutations in Leishmaniasis. This review will provide recent insights into the role of gene editing, especially CRISPR/Cas9, in host-pathogen interactions, intercellular communication, immunomodulation, and pathogenesis of Leishmania.

RESULTS

Current findings reveal that CRISPR/Cas9 enables efficient modification of Leishmania genomes, providing valuable insights into parasite biology, host-pathogen interactions, intercellular communication, immunomodulation, and disease pathogenesis. Additionally, immunotherapeutic models are being investigated to explore the potential applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in theranostics.

CONCLUSION

CRISPR/Cas9 has attracted attention as a promising tool for introducing protective or therapeutic mutations in Leishmaniasis. Integrating CRISPR/Cas9 with Leishmania-related research opens new avenues for disease control and understanding, while biologically inspired immunomodulatory strategies highlight its emerging role in next-generation parasite-targeted immunotherapy.