2004/04/08 by L. David Sibley · 5 citations
Immunology and Microbiology · #Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies #Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics #Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities
paper · doi:10.1126/science.1094717
openalex publication_date 2004/04/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Intracellular parasites use various strategies to invade cells and to subvert cellular signaling pathways and, thus, to gain a foothold against host defenses. Efficient cell entry, ability to exploit intracellular niches, and persistence make these parasites treacherous pathogens. Most intracellular parasites gain entry via host-mediated processes, but apicomplexans use a system of adhesion-based motility called "gliding" to actively penetrate host cells. Actin polymerization-dependent motility facilitates parasite migration across cellular barriers, enables dissemination within tissues, and powers invasion of host cells. Efficient invasion has brought widespread success to this group, which includes Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, and Cryptosporidium.