# Cryptosporidium-host interactions: What’s new?

## TL;DR

This review summarizes recent discoveries about how Cryptosporidium interacts with the host, including new proteins, immune evasion, and potential links to cancer.

## Contribution

The paper provides an updated synthesis of recent findings on Cryptosporidium-host interactions and their therapeutic implications.

## Key findings

- Cryptosporidium uses novel proteins for host cell attachment and invasion.
- The parasite manipulates host signaling pathways to evade immune defenses.
- Cryptosporidium may contribute to colorectal cancer through epigenetic changes.

## Abstract

Species of Cryptosporidium are a leading cause of diarrhoeal disease worldwide, with severe outcomes in immunocompromised individuals and malnourished children. Despite the significant public health impact, no effective drug exists for these vulnerable populations. How Cryptosporidium spp. interact with the host remains incompletely understood. However, recent technological advances have begun to uncover novel mechanisms involved in parasite attachment, invasion, immune evasion through host pathway manipulation, potential host cell transformation, interactions with the gut microbiota, and modulation of viral co-infections. In this review, we synthesise these recent findings, offering an updated perspective on host-parasite dynamics and their implications for new therapeutic strategies.

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•Recent findings reveal novel parasite proteins involved in host cell attachment and invasion.•Cryptosporidium hijacks host signalling pathways to evade defenses and survive.•Cryptosporidium harbours cryspoviruses that modulate host immunity and gene expression.•Evidence suggests Cryptosporidium may contribute to colorectal cancer via epigenetic changes.•Interactions with gut microbiota and co-infecting viruses influence Cryptosporidium infection.

Recent findings reveal novel parasite proteins involved in host cell attachment and invasion.

Cryptosporidium hijacks host signalling pathways to evade defenses and survive.

Cryptosporidium harbours cryspoviruses that modulate host immunity and gene expression.

Evidence suggests Cryptosporidium may contribute to colorectal cancer via epigenetic changes.

Interactions with gut microbiota and co-infecting viruses influence Cryptosporidium infection.