| Abstract | A parasite is an organism that depends on another organism, its host, for food and shelter. In this parasite-host relationship, a parasite gains benefits from its host while the host may suffer from diseases. The stress put on the decreased resources available to the host can affect its growth, reproduction, and survival. This stress can sometimes lead to the host's premature death. Parasites, and the diseases they cause and transmit, have been responsible for tremendous human suffering and loss of life throughout history. It is known that in parasite-host interactions, parasites manipulate the host's immune system. In an effort to survive and replicate, parasites have evolved multiple mechanisms to counteract or evade the immune system of the host. In this project we will identify and describe the specific ways parasites manipulate the host's immune system. An extensive review of the primary literature will be performed. At the end of this project, a review paper that summarizes the literature will be generated. |
