Host cell invasion by apicomplexans: what do we know?
Apicomplexan zoites enter host cells by forming and actively moving through a tight junction (TJ) formed between the parasite and host cell surfaces. Although the TJ was first described decades ago, its molecular characterization has proved difficult mainly because of its transient existence during an internalization process that lasts only seconds. In the past 7 years, work has led to a model of the TJ in which the association between AMA1 and RON proteins structures the TJ and bridges the cytoskeletons of the two cells. However, more recent work questions this view. Here, we critically discuss the current model and speculate on alternative models of the AMA1-RON association and of the apicomplexan TJ.
Institut Pasteur, Unité de Biologie et Génétique du Paludisme, 75015 Paris, France.
Daniel
D
Bargieri
Vanessa
V
Lagal
Isabelle
I
Tardieux
Robert
R
Ménard
D000818:Animals; D016782:Apicomplexa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D019108:Tight Junctions / Q000378:metabolism
D015800:Protozoan Proteins; C080835:RON protein; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases