Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the discovery of a number of secreted proteins in Toxoplasma gondii that play important roles in host-pathogen interactions and parasite virulence, particularly in the mouse model. However, the role that these proteins play in driving the unique features of T. gondii compared to some of its nearest apicomplexan relatives (Hammondia hammondi and Neospora caninum) is unknown. These unique feature include distinct dissemination characteristics in vivo and a vast host range. In this review we comprehensively survey what is known about disease outcome, the host response, and host range for T. gondii, H. hammondi and N. caninum. We then review what is presently known about recently identified secreted virulence effectors in these three genetically-related, but phenotypically distinct, species. Finally we exploit the existence of genome sequences for these three organisms and discuss what is known about the presence, and functionality, of key T. gondii effectors in these three species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
comparative genomics; host range expansion; virulence
- PMID:
- 25655311
- [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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