Loss of vitamin C biosynthesis protects from the pathology of a parasitic infection

Significance

Ascorbate synthesis was lost in the evolution of several species, turning this molecule into an essential micronutrient, vitamin C. Are there any benefits to losing ascorbate synthesis and becoming prone to ascorbate deficiency? We show that loss of ascorbate synthesis and consequent transient ascorbate deficiency protects mice infected with schistosomes, parasites which cause the major parasitic disease schistosomiasis. This is because schistosomes require ascorbate from the host to lay eggs and cause pathology. Our work shows that a vitamin deficiency can have physiological benefits by protecting animals from the pathology of a major parasitic disease. We propose that resistance against the pathology of a parasitic infection may explain why some animals lost the ability to synthesize vitamin C.

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