Host Defence and Toxoplasma gondii: A Mini Review

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite intracellular in nature that affects pregnant animals and humans especially immunocompromised persons. Infected hosts show a robust inherent response followed by an adaptive response to contain the parasitic infection. More focus has recently been placed on innate lymphocytes, inflammatory monocytes, and inherent immunological processes. The operation of MyD88 independent pathways is necessary for these processes to function. Despite the host's immense immune reaction, the parasite has evolved to overcome the host's immune response either by down-regulation of signaling pathways or altering host gene expression. Also, the parasite continues to thrive as a lifelong infection in the infected individuals and may revive to its lethal form in stress conditions.