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Parasite–host cell interactions in toxoplasmosis: new avenues for intervention?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2004

Isabelle Coppens  and
Keith A. Joiner
Isabelle Coppens
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 808 LCI, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8022, USA.
Keith A. Joiner
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 808 LCI, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8022, USA.
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Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is uniquely adapted for penetrating and surviving within a wide range of host cells. This parasite invades mammalian cells by an active actin-dependent mechanism, and after entry establishes a vacuole with the assistance of products secreted by the parasite's apical organelles. Simultaneously, Toxoplasma sets about gaining access to cellular nutrients by forming pores in the vacuolar membrane. In this manner it enjoys a rich and comfortable lifestyle at the host cell's expense. Understanding the Toxoplasma–host interaction may reveal unusual mechanisms for exploiting host cell pathways and diverting host organelle functions. These novel modifications could also be potential targets for new drugs.

Keywords

Toxoplasma gondiiintracellular protozoanparasitophorous vacuolenutritionhost cell manipulation
Type
Review Article
Information
Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine , Volume 3 , Issue 2 , 15 January 2001 , pp. 1 - 20
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2001

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