Toxolysin 4 Contributes to Efficient Parasite Egress from Host Cells.

Egress from host cells is an essential step in the lytic cycle of T. gondii and other apicomplexan parasites; however, only a few parasite secretory proteins are known to affect this process. The putative metalloproteinase toxolysin 4 (TLN4) was previously shown to be an extensively processed microneme protein, but further characterization was impeded by the inability to genetically ablate .

Role of Chloroquine Resistance Transporter in Bradyzoite Viability and Digestive Vacuole Maintenance.

is a ubiquitous pathogen that can cause encephalitis, congenital defects, and ocular disease. has also been implicated as a risk factor for mental illness in humans. The parasite persists in the brain as slow-growing bradyzoites contained within intracellular cysts.

LCAT Primarily Contributes to Tachyzoite Egress.

Egress is a crucial phase of the intracellular lytic cycle. This is a process that drives inflammation and is strongly associated with the pathogenesis observed during toxoplasmosis. Despite the link between this process and virulence, little is known about egress on a mechanistic or descriptive level.

Toxoplasma depends on lysosomal consumption of autophagosomes for persistent infection.

Globally, nearly 2 billion people are infected with the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. This persistent infection can cause severe disease in immunocompromised people and is epidemiologically linked to major mental illnesses and cognitive impairment. There are currently no options for curing this infection.