Parasite virulence: the role of activation and suppression of P2X7 receptors

弓形虫病和利什曼病对澳大利亚人和动物的健康和福祉构成威胁。大约有600万至800万澳大利亚人感染了弓形虫，这是一种寄生虫，可导致免疫抑制者出现严重问题，并导致原发感染孕妇出现出生缺陷和流产。弓形虫病也是澳大利亚绵羊流产和死胎的主要原因。最近在澳大利亚发现的利什曼病对海外旅行者、牲畜和野生动物都是一种风险。这项研究将有助于了解是什么使这些寄生虫成功，为开发对抗这些慢性疾病的新药铺平道路。

Toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis pose a threat to the health and well-being of the Australian human and animal populations. Around 6-8 million Australians are infected with Toxoplasma, a parasite that can cause severe problems in immunosuppressed individuals and birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women with a primary infection. Toxoplasmosis is also the main cause of abortion and stillbirth in Australian sheep. Leishmaniasis, recently found in Australia, is a risk for overseas travellers, livestock and wildlife. This research will provide an understanding of what makes these parasites successful, paving the way for development of novel drugs to combat these chronic diseases.