Signalling mechanisms involved in apical organelle discharge during host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which belong to the phylum apicomplexa. The characteristic feature of apicomplexan parasites is the presence of apical organelles, referred to as micronemes and rhoptries, in the invasive stages of the parasite life cycle. Survival of these obligate intracellular parasites depends on successful invasion of host cells, which is mediated by specific molecular interactions between host receptors and parasite ligands that are commonly stored in these apical organelles. The timely release of these ligands from apical organelles to the parasite surface is crucial for receptor engagement and invasion. This article is a broad overview of the signalling mechanisms that control the regulated secretion of apical organelles during host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites.
Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India. Shailja@icgeb.res.in
Shailja
S
Singh
Chetan E
CE
Chitnis
D000818:Animals; D016782:Apicomplexa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D015388:Organelles / Q000378:metabolism*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000378:metabolism*
D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D037521:Virulence Factors