# Adrenergic signaling during parasitic infections

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how adrenergic signaling affects immune responses and disease outcomes during parasitic infections.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of adrenergic signaling's role in various parasitic infections and its therapeutic implications.

## Key findings

- Adrenergic signaling modulates immune responses during protozoan and helminth infections.
- Parasite-induced neurodegeneration involves adrenergic and immune mechanisms.
- Targeting adrenergic pathways may improve treatment strategies for parasitic infections.

## Abstract

Adrenergic signaling plays a critical role in modulating immune and physiological responses during parasitic infections. Catecholamines such as adrenaline and noradrenaline interact with adrenergic receptors (ARs) to regulate immune cell activity, inflammation, and systemic processes. This review highlights the involvement of adrenergic pathways in infections caused by protozoa (Trypanosoma spp., Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp.) and helminths (cestodes, nematodes, and flukes). Central nervous system invasion by parasites is associated with neurodegeneration, mediated by immune and adrenergic mechanisms. Dysregulation of adrenergic signaling can exacerbate infection outcomes or contribute to immune-mediated tissue damage. Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into the potential of targeting adrenergic pathways to improve therapeutic strategies and manage parasitic infections effectively.