Recombinant Toxoplasma gondii protein

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with complex life cycles that include both sexual and asexual reproduction stages. Known also as T. gondii it has a mass around 98.3 kDa for its actin which plays an important role in its mobility and invasion of host cells. Toxoplasma gondii primarily targets feline hosts but it can infect most warm-blooded animals including humans. Expressed worldwide within cats and intermediate hosts the parasite distributes itself widely across diverse organisms.

Biological function summary

Toxoplasma gondii manipulates the host’s immune response to survive and multiply. Within the host it exists as a complex of organelles called the apicoplast which is important for lipid synthesis and metabolism. The parasite modifies the host cells to create a protective environment by blocking host immune signaling pathways. It also affects host’s cell apoptosis promoting the persistence of infection.

Pathways

Toxoplasma gondii integrates itself within both immune and metabolic pathways in the host. The parasite affects the NF-kB signaling pathway which influences host immune response allowing it to evade detection. It also interacts with host cell’s cytokines like interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) which are proteins important for immune system modulation and control.

Toxoplasma gondii relates primarily to toxoplasmosis which can exhibit symptoms ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological disorders and ocular disease. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals like those with HIV are at higher risk for complications from toxoplasmosis. The parasite links to proteins such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) which play roles in the inflammatory response and pathogenesis of the disease.