Toxoplasma gondii microneme proteins (TgMICs), secreted by micronemes upon contact with host cells, are reported to play important roles in multiple stages of the T. gondii life cycle, including parasite motility, invasion, intracellular survival, and egress from host cells. Meanwhile, during these processes, TgMICs participate in many protein-protein and protein-carbohydrate interactions, such as undergoing proteolytic maturation, binding to aldolase, engaging the host cell receptors and forming the moving junction (MJ), relying on different types of ectodomains, transmembrane (TM) domains and cytoplasmic domains (CDs). In this review, we summarize the research advances in protein-protein and protein-carbohydrate interactions related to TgMICs, and their intimate associations with corresponding biological processes during T. gondii infection, which will contribute to an improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of T. gondii infection, and provide a basis for developing effective control strategies against T. gondii.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2017.03.001 | DOI Listing |
Int J Mol Sci
December 2024
Neurofarba Department, Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy.
, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is a protozoan parasite capable of infecting a wide range of hosts, posing significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals and congenital transmission. Current therapeutic options primarily target the active tachyzoite stage but are limited by issues such as toxicity and incomplete efficacy. As a result, there is an urgent need for alternative therapies that can selectively target parasite-specific mechanisms critical for metabolic processes and host-parasite interactions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCells
January 2025
Nuclear Signaling Laboratory, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
Signal-dependent transport into and out of the nucleus mediated by members of the importin (IMP) superfamily is crucial for eukaryotic function, with inhibitors targeting IMPα being of key interest as anti-infectious agents, including against the apicomplexan species and , causative agents of malaria and toxoplasmosis, respectively. We recently showed that the FDA-approved macrocyclic lactone ivermectin, as well as several other different small molecule inhibitors, can specifically bind to and inhibit and IMPα functions, as well as limit parasite growth. Here we focus on the FDA-approved antiparasitic moxidectin, a structural analogue of ivermectin, for its IMPα-targeting and anti-apicomplexan properties for the first time.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVet Res Commun
January 2025
Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Goats are the one of the most susceptible domestic species to toxoplasmosis affecting animal health and production. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dairy goats from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as to evaluate associated risk factors, parasitic DNA detection in raw goat milk samples, and attempts to isolate the parasite from raw goat milk samples.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFZhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban
August 2024
Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
Objectives: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by (), which can lead to complications such as encephalitis and ocular toxoplasmosis. The disease becomes more severe when the host's immune system is compromised. Rhoptry proteins are major virulence factors that enable to invade host cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Food Microbiol
January 2025
Anses, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, Malzéville, France.
Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are severe zoonotic diseases characterized by long asymptomatic periods lasting months or years. Viable Echinococcus spp. eggs released into the environment through the feces of canids can infect humans through accidental ingestion via hand-to-mouth contact or consumption of contaminated food or water.
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