Molecular modifications of host cells by Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis, is an Apicomplexa obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, which is able to infect any nucleated cell of numerous endothermic vertebrates. The combined abilities to actively penetrate host cells and perfectly control the fate of the parasite-containing vacuole (parasitophorus vacuole, PV) contribute to the remarkable global success of Toxoplasma as an intracellular parasite. Very broad host range and the relative ease of growth both in cell cultures in vitro and in vivo suggest that the parasite is able to manipulate the host cell apoptotic machinery. The article describes different aspects of host-parasite interplay focusing on molecular modifications of infected host cells.