Current and emerging approaches to studying invasion in apicomplexan parasites

Subcell Biochem. 2008:47:1-32. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-78267-6_1.

Abstract

In this chapter, we outline the tools and techniques available to study the process of host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites and we provide specific examples of how these methods have been used to further our understanding of apicomplexan invasive mechanisms. Throughout the chapter we focus our discussion on Toxoplasmagondii, because T. gondii is the most experimentally accessible model organism for studying apicomplexan invasion (discussed further in the section, "Toxoplasma as a Model Apicomplexan") and more is known about invasion in T. gondii than in any other apicomplexan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apicomplexa / genetics*
  • Apicomplexa / growth & development
  • Apicomplexa / physiology*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Toxoplasma / genetics
  • Toxoplasma / pathogenicity
  • Toxoplasma / physiology