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Caspases, a family of cysteinyl–aspartate-specific proteases, induce apoptosis but are also involved in signal transduction in live cells. Caspase activation and apoptosis in T lymphocytes occur following infection with parasites and might affect immune responses. Rapid progress has occurred in the development and testing of caspase inhibitors and other apoptosis blockers, which are potentially useful for treating diseases associated with the pathogenic effects of apoptosis. Pharmacological approaches and the use of genetically modified hosts can be combined in research strategies to understand how apoptosis and caspase signaling affect the immune system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Parasitic diseases have worldwide medical and economical impact. Host T lymphocytes and the cytokines they produce determine the outcome of parasitic infections. Programmed cell death by apoptosis is induced in the course of parasitic infections, and affects cytokine production by removing activated effector T and B cells. In addition, engulfment of apoptotic cells promotes the secretion of cytokines that regulate intracellular replication of protozoan parasites. In this review, we discuss how the cross-talk between apoptosis and cytokines regulates parasitic infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Persistence of Trypanosoma cruzi is associated with damage to the heart, which is a characteristic of Chagas disease. In this article, we discuss recently identified mechanisms of aberrant T-cell activation that are responsible for persistence of T. cruzi and cardiac injury. Among them, apoptosis of host cells drives T. cruzi replication in macrophages and is present in cardiac inflammation. It is proposed that phagocytic removal of infected apoptotic cardiomyocytes, combined with signaling through innate immune receptors, is required to initiate immune responses that damage the heart. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]