Animals (Dec 2023)

Inhibition of Cell Apoptosis by Apicomplexan Protozoa–Host Interaction in the Early Stage of Infection

  • Liyin Lian,
  • Qian Sun,
  • Xinyi Huang,
  • Wanjing Li,
  • Yanjun Cui,
  • Yuebo Pan,
  • Xianyu Yang,
  • Pu Wang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243817
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 24
p. 3817

Abstract

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Apicomplexan protozoa, which are a group of specialized intracellular parasitic protozoa, infect humans and other animals and cause a variety of diseases. The lack of research on the interaction mechanism between Apicomplexan protozoa and their hosts is a key factor restricting the development of new drugs and vaccines. In the early stages of infection, cell apoptosis is inhibited by Apicomplexan protozoa through their interaction with the host cells; thereby, the survival and reproduction of Apicomplexan protozoa in host cells is promoted. In this review, the key virulence proteins and pathways are introduced regarding the inhibition of cell apoptosis by the interaction between the protozoa and their host during the early stage of Apicomplexan protozoa infection. It provides a theoretical basis for the development of drugs or vaccines for protozoal diseases.

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