Effects of the Symbiotic Chlorella variabilis on the Host Ciliate Paramecium bursaria Phenotypes

Paramecium bursaria, a ciliated protist, forms a symbiotic relationship with the green alga Chlorella variabilis. This endosymbiotic association is a model system for studying the establishment of secondary symbiosis and interactions between the symbiont and its host organisms. Symbiotic algae reside in specialized compartments called perialgal vacuoles (PVs) within the host cytoplasm, which protect them from digestion by host lysosomal fusion. The relationship between P. bursaria and symbiotic Chlorella spp. is characterized by mutualism, in which both organisms benefit from this association. Furthermore, symbiotic algae also influence their host phenotypes, and algae-free P. bursaria can be obtained through various methods and reassociated with symbiotic algae, making it a valuable tool for studying secondary endosymbiosis. Recent advancements in genomic and transcriptomic studies on both hosts and symbionts have further enhanced the utility of this model system. This review summarizes the infection process of the symbiotic alga C. variabilis and its effects on the algal infection on number of host trichocysts, mitochondria, cytoplasmic crystals, total protein amount, stress responses, photoaccumulation, and circadian rhythms of the host P. bursaria.