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Author Spotlight: Identifying Compensatory Pathways in Malaria Parasites Containing Hypomorphic Allele of Essential Protein Kinases
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Role of Host Small GTPases in Apicomplexan Parasite Infection

Silvio Paone1,2, Anna Olivieri1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.

Microorganisms
|July 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Apicomplexa parasites manipulate host cells, altering cytoskeleton and organelles. Host small GTPases are key players in these infections, offering potential targets for new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites causing significant human diseases.
  • These parasites extensively modify host cells, including cytoskeleton and organelles, for survival and nutrient acquisition.
  • Small GTPases are crucial regulators of host cell processes frequently exploited by intracellular pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of host cell manipulation by Apicomplexa during infection.
  • To highlight the specific roles of host small GTPases in Apicomplexa pathogenesis.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting host small GTPases against Apicomplexa infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on Apicomplexa-host interactions.
  • Analysis of studies detailing host cell cytoskeleton and organelle dynamics during infection.
  • Examination of research on small GTPase involvement in pathogen-host cell interplay.

Main Results:

  • Apicomplexa parasites extensively remodel the host cytoskeleton and alter organelle organization.
  • Host small GTPases are critical mediators of these cellular modifications.
  • Evidence suggests small GTPases are manipulated by Apicomplexa to establish intracellular niches.

Conclusions:

  • Host cell manipulation by Apicomplexa involves intricate interactions with host small GTPases.
  • Small GTPases represent promising targets for developing novel host-directed therapies against Apicomplexa.
  • Understanding these host-parasite interactions is vital for advancing treatment strategies.
Keywords:
ApicomplexaCryptosporidiumGTPasesPlasmodiumTheileriaToxoplasmahost-targeted therapieshost–parasite interactionsmalaria

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