The apicoplast is important for the viability and persistence of Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii is responsible for toxoplasmosis, a disease that can be serious when contracted during pregnancy, but can also be a threat for immunocompromised individuals. Acute infection is associated with the tachyzoite form that spreads rapidly within the host. However, under stress conditions, some parasites can differentiate into cyst-forming bradyzoites, residing mainly in the central nervous system, retina and muscle. Because this latent form of the parasite is resistant to all currently available treatments, and is central to persistence and transmission of the parasite, specific therapeutic strategies targeting this developmental stage need to be found. T. gondii contains a plastid of endosymbiotic origin called the apicoplast, which is an appealing drug target b

SUBMITTER: Sanchez SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10450435 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature