The above mini review indicates the complexity of the trypanosome - triatomine relationship and indicates that research into basic aspects of parasite - invertebrate host interactions can reveal subtle mechanisms for the establishment of parasite infection, that are transmitted by blood-feeding insect vectors. Regardless of the medical importance of triatomines and their high suitability for experimentation, remarkably little is understood about their interactions with trypanosomes. The demand for this kind of study is increasing daily with the need to find new methods of vector control. Many points remain to be answered, such as: (i) what other molecules are present in the digestive tract and involved as modulators of parasite infection by controlling the interaction with the gut epithelial cells and perimicrovillar membranes whose functions are complex and poorly understood; (ii) how do the eicosanoid pathways and hormones induce immune depression in the vector at the molecular level; (iii) how do genes, parasites and vector molecules interact and impact the superoxide and nitric oxide and other reactive radicals; and (iv) what, if any, role do the inducible antimicrobial peptides play as they could potentially influence survival and parasite establishment in the host vector.
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