Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Forward Genetics Screens Using Macrophages to Identify Toxoplasma gondii Genes Important for Resistance to IFN-γ-Dependent Cell Autonomous Immunity
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Forward Genetics Screens Using Macrophages to Identify Toxoplasma gondii Genes Important for Resistance to IFN-γ-Dependent Cell Autonomous Immunity

Published on: March 12, 2015

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Toxoplasma gondii development of its replicative niche: in its host cell and beyond

Ira J Blader1, Anita A Koshy2

  • 1Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Ophthalmology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA iblader@buffalo.edu akoshy@email.arizona.edu.

Eukaryotic Cell
|June 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Toxoplasma gondii manipulates host cell metabolism, cytoskeleton, and cell death for replication. This parasite, infecting 30% of the world, also impacts uninfected neighboring cells.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Parasitology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Intracellular pathogens require host cell manipulation for replication.
  • Key targeted host processes include metabolism, cytoskeleton, and cell death.
  • Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite causing severe disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii host cell process modulation.
  • To explore parasite-induced changes in infected and neighboring cells.
  • To understand the high prevalence of Toxoplasma infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on Toxoplasma-host interactions.
  • Analysis of cellular pathways affected by the parasite.
  • Hypothesis generation on inter-cellular communication.

Main Results:

  • Toxoplasma gondii extensively modifies host cell metabolism, membrane and cytoskeletal architecture, and cell death pathways.
  • These modifications create a replication-permissive environment.
  • Evidence suggests effects extend to uninfected neighboring cells.

Conclusions:

  • Toxoplasma gondii's success relies on its ability to hijack fundamental host cell processes.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for combating toxoplasmosis.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate parasite-induced effects on non-infected cells.

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