Review25 years of African trypanosome research: From description to molecular dissection and new drug discovery

- The Woods Hole 'Molecular Parasitology Meeting' celebrated its 25th meeting in 2014.
- This 'Perspective' overviews discoveries in trypanosome biology since 1990.
- New tools for gene function discovery have transformed trypanosome research.
- Trypanosomes remain fascinating parasites with a unique biology.
- This offers the potential to provide new therapeutic options.

The Molecular Parasitology conference was first held at the Marine Biological laboratory, Woods Hole, USA 25 years ago. Since that first meeting, the conference has evolved and expanded but has remained the showcase for the latest research developments in molecular parasitology. In this perspective, I reflect on the scientific discoveries focussed on African trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei spp.) that have occurred since the inaugural MPM meeting and discuss the current and future status of research on these parasites.