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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
13:21
Establishment of Larval Zebrafish as an Animal Model to Investigate Trypanosoma cruzi Motility In Vivo
Published on: September 30, 2017
Review on Trypanosoma cruzi: Host Cell Interaction
Wanderley de Souza1, Tecia Maria Ulisses de Carvalho, Emile Santos Barrias
1Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, CCS, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Bloco G, Ilha do Fundão, RJ 21941-902, Brazil.
International Journal of Cell Biology
|September 3, 2010
Summary
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, an intracellular parasite transmitted by insects. This review focuses on the molecular interactions and invasion mechanisms between T. cruzi and mammalian host cells.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chagas' disease affects numerous individuals in Central and South America.
- Trypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan parasite responsible for Chagas' disease.
- The parasite is transmitted to vertebrate hosts via blood-sucking insects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interaction mechanisms between Trypanosoma cruzi and host cells.
- To emphasize the molecules involved in the invasion of mammalian cells by T. cruzi.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of T. cruzi-host cell interactions.
- Focus on invasion mechanisms and participating molecules.
Main Results:
- T. cruzi is an obligate intracellular parasite with distinct infective forms (metacyclic, bloodstream trypomastigotes, amastigotes).
- Parasite-host cell recognition involves numerous molecules from both entities.
- The review details the complex intracellular life cycle and invasion strategies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding T. cruzi invasion mechanisms is crucial for Chagas' disease research.
- Identifying key molecules involved in host cell invasion can inform therapeutic strategies.
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