This review explores the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic and therapeutic targets to enhance control programs for cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic parasitic disease posing significant threats to global human and animal health. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that Echinococcus-derived miRNAs are present in the biofluids of infected hosts, underscoring their potential for CE diagnosis. Additionally, specific miRNAs from Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato have been shown to influence host–parasite interactions, making them promising therapeutic targets for CE. In conclusion, further investigation into the role of miRNAs in CE could lead to significant breakthroughs in the fight against this neglected disease.
Unlocking the potential of miRNAs in cystic echinococcosis / Pepe, Paola; Ciccone, Elena; Cacciola, Nunzio Antonio; Bazzocchi, Chiara; Rinaldi, Laura. - In: TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY. - ISSN 1471-4922. - 41:8(2025), pp. 685-698. [10.1016/j.pt.2025.06.004]
Unlocking the potential of miRNAs in cystic echinococcosis
Pepe, Paola;Ciccone, Elena;Cacciola, Nunzio Antonio;Rinaldi, Laura
2025
Abstract
This review explores the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic and therapeutic targets to enhance control programs for cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic parasitic disease posing significant threats to global human and animal health. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that Echinococcus-derived miRNAs are present in the biofluids of infected hosts, underscoring their potential for CE diagnosis. Additionally, specific miRNAs from Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato have been shown to influence host–parasite interactions, making them promising therapeutic targets for CE. In conclusion, further investigation into the role of miRNAs in CE could lead to significant breakthroughs in the fight against this neglected disease.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
