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PMID: 18327664 Published · ppublish English Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review

Host cell manipulation by the human pathogen Toxoplasma gondii.

Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS ·Vol. 65 ·No. 12 ·2008-06-00 ·Pages 1900-15

Laliberté J, Carruthers VB

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect virtually any nucleated cell. During invasion Toxoplasma creates the parasitophorous vacuole, a subcellular compartment that acts as an interface between the parasite and host, and serves as a platform for modulation of host cell functions that support parasite replication and infection. Spatial reorganization of host organelles and cytoskeleton around the parasitophorous vacuole are observed following entry, and recent evidence suggests this interior redecorating promotes parasite nutrient acquisition. New findings also reveal that Toxoplasma manipulates host signaling pathways by deploying parasite kinases and a phosphatase, including at least two that infiltrate the host nucleus. Toxoplasma infection additionally controls several cellular pathways to establish an anti-apoptotic environment, and subverts immune cells as a conduit for dissemination. In this review we discuss these recent developments in understanding how Toxoplasma achieves widespread success as a human and animal parasite by manipulating its host.

MeSH Terms
Animals Apoptosis Cell Movement Cell Nucleus/parasitology Cytoskeleton/metabolism Humans Organelles/metabolism Protozoan Proteins/physiology Signal Transduction Toxoplasma/growth & development,pathogenicity Toxoplasmosis/metabolism,parasitology Transcription Factors/metabolism
Chemicals
Protozoan Proteins Transcription Factors
Authors & Affiliations
2 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
Laliberté J
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, 5751 Medical Science Building II, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0620, USA. julielal@umich.edu
Carruthers V B
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Article Info
Journal
Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS
Abbr.
Cell Mol Life Sci
ISSN
1420-682X
Published
2008-06-00
Pages
1900-15
Language
English
Region
Switzerland
NLM ID
9705402
PMCID
PMC2662853
Subset
IM
Grants
NIAID NIH HHS · R01 AI046675 · United States
NIAID NIH HHS · R01 AI046675-08 · United States
NIAID NIH HHS · R01AI46675-6 · United States
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