The Major Surface Proteins of Toxoplasma gondii: Structures and Functions

摘要: The obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii can penetrate into a variety of eukaryotic cells. This broad host and tissue specificity, which is an unique feature this parasite among the Apicomplexa parasites such as Plasmodium, Eimeria, Sarcocystis, indicates that ligands receptors mediating initial attachment T. to cells are likely be highly conserved ubiquitously distributed. enters by active process called invasion, in special organelles, designated rhoptries micronemes, believed involved cell penetration. Although precise mechanism invasion not understood yet, it generally agreed or adhesion critical step invasion. It would most helpful if on membrane were identified their implications established. review will focus essentially structures major surface proteins discuss recent progress toward identification functions recognition adhesion.