The IRG protein-based resistance mechanism in mice and its relation to virulence in Toxoplasma gondii

Curr Opin Microbiol. 2011 Jul 22. [Epub ahead of print]

The IRG protein-based resistance mechanism in mice and its relation to virulence in Toxoplasma gondii

Howard JC, Hunn JP, Steinfeldt T

SourceInstitute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Strasse 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany; Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.

Abstract
IRG proteins (immunity-related GTPases) provide an early defense mechanism in mice against the protozoal pathogen, Toxoplasma gondii. This is a particularly suitable time to provide a brief review of this host-pathogen interaction because the nature of the IRG resistance system, and to some extent its mode of action, have become known in the past few years. Likewise, forward genetic screens have recently drawn attention to a number of loci contributing to the differential virulence of T. gondii strains in mice. It is now clear that at least some important virulence mechanisms exert their action against components of the IRG resistance system. Thus these two mechanisms form the two poles of a dynamic host-pathogen virulence-resistance relationship with interesting and accessible properties.

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PMID:21783405[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]