Abstract

IFN-γ-induced Cell Autonomous Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii

Dana G. Mordue

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes the disease toxoplasmosis. This highly successful parasite is able to infect virtually any warm blooded vertebrate host and host cell even though the definitive host is felidae. Here, we focus on IFN-γ-inducible cell autonomous immunity to T. gondii and mechanisms which the parasite has evolved to evade intracellular antimicrobial defenses. These are discussed in the context of co-evolution of T. gondii with its murine intermediate host.