# Mechanisms of parasite‐mediated disruption of brain vessels

## TL;DR

This review explains how parasites disrupt brain blood vessels, leading to neurological issues and offering insights for future treatments.

## Contribution

The paper provides an integrative view of parasite-vascular interactions in the brain and identifies emerging research areas.

## Key findings

- Parasites manipulate endothelial function and barrier permeability in brain vessels.
- These interactions trigger inflammation and blood-brain barrier breakdown.
- Understanding these mechanisms could inform new strategies for treating brain infections.

## Abstract

The brain vasculature is a critical barrier to maintain central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Parasitic infections can profoundly disrupt the brain vasculature, with consequences ranging from subtle neurological alterations to severe, life‐threatening pathologies. In this review, we explore the diverse mechanisms by which endoparasites interact with, modulate and breach CNS blood and lymphatic vessels. We highlight how these pathogens manipulate endothelial function, alter barrier permeability and exploit vascular surface molecules to access or influence the brain. These interactions often trigger local inflammation, endothelial activation and blood–brain barrier breakdown, with significant implications for parasite survival and host pathology. Here, we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these processes, providing an integrative view of parasite‐vascular crosstalk in the brain and identifying emerging research areas. Understanding these interactions offers new insights into brain vascular disease pathogenesis and may inform future strategies for intervention.

Parasites can affect the blood vessels of the brain, often causing serious neurological problems. This review explains how different parasites interact with and disrupt these vessels, what this means for brain health, and why these processes matter. Understanding these mechanisms may help us develop better ways to prevent or treat brain infections in the future.