Resolving tissue and cellular functions of parasitic nematodes

Parasitic nematodes have a significant impact on global health as pathogens of humans and animals. Yet, our understanding of parasite physiology and the function of organs critical for intra-host survival is poor. Most knowledge is derived from Caenorhabditis elegans, a free-living nematode that has limited translatability to parasitic species. Here, we discuss opportunities to fill knowledge gaps in fundamental parasite biology through the study of parasite body plans, tissues, and cells in their biological context, using modern imaging, omics, metabolic models, and in vitro culture systems. Resolving the functions of parasite cells and tissues throughout development and inside their hosts is key to discovering new tools to tackle them.