Complex Immune Cell Interplay in the Gamma Interferon Response During Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Overview

Journal Infect Immun

Publisher American Society for Microbiology

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2014 May 29

PMID 24866795

Citations 67

Authors

Carolyn R Sturge

Felix Yarovinsky

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite of clinical importance, especially in immunocompromised patients. Investigations into the immune response to the parasite found that T cells are the primary effector cells regulating gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-mediated host resistance. However, recent studies have revealed a critical role for the innate immune system in mediating host defense independently of the T cell responses to the parasite. This body of knowledge is put into perspective by the unifying theme that immunity to the protozoan parasite requires a strong IFN-γ host response. In the following review, we discuss the role of IFN-γ-producing cells and the signals that regulate IFN-γ production during T. gondii infection.

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