Intracellular protozoan parasites and apoptosis: diverse strategies to modulate parasite-host interactions.
Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is an important regulator of the host's response during infection with a variety of intracellular protozoan parasites. Parasitic pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to induce or inhibit host-cell apoptosis, thereby modulating the host's immune response, aiding dissemination within the host or facilitating intracellular survival. Here, we review the molecular and cell-biological mechanisms of the pathogen-induced modulation of host-cell apoptosis and its effects on the parasite-host interaction and the pathogenesis of parasitic diseases. We also discuss the previously unrecognized phenomenon of apoptotic cell death in (unicellular) protozoan parasites and its potential implications.
Lüder
C G
CG
Department Bacteriology, Georg August University of Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 57, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany. clueder@gwdg.de
Gross
U
U
Lopes
M F
MF
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction