Innate, adaptive, and cell-autonomous immunity against Toxoplasma gondii infection
Toxoplasmosis: Insights into immunity Researchers are extensively studying immune responses to the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which infects around one-third of humans, often harmlessly, but can cause life-threatening toxoplasmosis infections in patients with weakened immune systems. M...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Publishing Group
2019-12-01
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| Series: | Experimental and Molecular Medicine |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-019-0353-9 |
| Summary: | Toxoplasmosis: Insights into immunity Researchers are extensively studying immune responses to the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which infects around one-third of humans, often harmlessly, but can cause life-threatening toxoplasmosis infections in patients with weakened immune systems. Masahiro Yamamoto and Miwa Sasai at Osaka University in Japan review recent advances in understanding the interactions between the immune system and the parasite. They consider non-specific ‘innate’ immune responses and also the ‘acquired’ responses that target specific parts of the parasite, referred to as antigens. Methods that selectively switch off genes in mice are revealing details presumed to also be relevant for humans. Significant molecules, molecular signaling pathways and immune-regulating processes are being identified. Recent studies suggest cell-autonomous immunity, the ability of host cells to defend themselves against attack, plays a significant role in fighting Toxoplasma gondii infection. |
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| ISSN: | 1226-3613 2092-6413 |