Inhibition of Src signaling induces autophagic killing of Toxoplasma gondii via PTEN-mediated deactivation of Akt.

The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii manipulates host cell signaling to avoid targeting by autophagosomes and lysosomal degradation. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a mediator of this survival strategy. However, EGFR expression is limited in the brain and retina, organs affected in toxoplasmosis.