The molecular basis for oocyst and cyst wall formation in apicomplexan parasites

像艾美耳球虫、新孢子虫、弓形虫和疟原虫这样的Apicomplexan寄生虫是单细胞生物体--原生动物--会导致一些迄今已知的最严重的牲畜和人类传染病。这些寄生虫的传播取决于它们将自己包裹在称为卵囊或囊壁的保护性结构中的能力。这些墙可以抵抗恶劣的环境条件、化学物质和免疫系统的攻击。我们将发现并描述囊壁形成的分子基础。这一基础知识将成为控制这些极其重要的病原体的新的、高度特异性的药物和疫苗的基石。

Apicomplexan parasites such as Eimeria, Neospora, Toxoplasma and Plasmodium are single celled organisms - protozoa - that cause some of the most serious infectious diseases of livestock and humans ever known. Transmission of these parasites is dependent on their ability to encase themselves in protective structures known as oocyst or cyst walls. These walls are resistant to harsh environmental conditions, chemicals and attack by the immune system. We will discover and characterise the molecular basis for cyst wall formation. This fundamental knowledge will be the building block for new, highly specific drugs and vaccines to control these extremely important pathogens.