Immune response to Toxoplasma gondii

Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2004;40(1):71-80.

Abstract

Oral-route infection with Toxoplasma gondii sporozoites or tachyzoites leads to the rapid spread of quick-replicating cytolytic tachyzoites throughout the whole body. Toxoplasma easily crosses the blood-retina, encephalic and placental barriers. The acute phase of this infection lasts for less than around ten days. The parasite causes a very strong type-1 response focused on the interferon-gamma secreted by the T lymphocytes. This immune response limits the tissue extension of the parasite, ensuring the survival of the host, but, paradoxically, also aiding the survival of the parasite by converting it into a bradyzoite, an intracellular quiescent resistant form persisting in the muscle and brain tissues.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Brain / parasitology
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Muscles / parasitology
  • T-Lymphocytes / parasitology
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interferon-gamma