SPP 1004: Voraussetzungen und molekulare Mechanismen der Persistenz von Parasiten im Wirt

真核寄生虫（原生动物和寄生蠕虫）通常与宿主保持非常平衡的关系。通常情况下，由于通过共同进化获得的各种机制，它们在宿主体内持续很长一段时间。该方案的重点是分析这种机制，并确定寄生虫用来影响其宿主的分子。该方案同样侧重于控制寄生虫分化的宿主因素。这些研究涉及单细胞以及组织和器官。寄生虫感染的易感性，例如宿主的易感性以及粘附和入侵的机制也在分子水平上进行研究。这些项目所采用的方法包括现代生物学的范围，其中包括利用转基因寄生虫的反向遗传学。这些研究主要涉及对人类或兽医有重要意义的寄生虫以及重要的模式生物，例如锥虫、利什曼原虫、艾美耳球虫、弓形虫、隐孢子虫、疟原虫以及寄生线虫和绦虫。参与小组的组成将促进跨学科的方法，同时将重点放在寄生虫特有的现象上。

Eukaryotic parasites (protozoa and parasitic worms) usually live in a very balanced relationship with their hosts. Typically they persist for long periods of time within their hosts due to various mechanisms acquired through co-evolution. The focus of the programme is on the analysis of such mechanisms and on the identification of molecules which are used by the parasites to influence their hosts. The programme likewise concentrates on host factors governing the differentiation of parasites. The studies deal with single cells as well as with tissues and organs. Prerequisites for a parasite infection, as e.g. the susceptibility of hosts and the mechanisms of adherence and of invasion are also studied on the molecular level. The approaches pursued in the projects encompass the spectrum of modern biology, among others reverse genetics employing transgenic parasites. The studies deal mostly with parasites of human or veterinary importance and with important model organisms, e.g. trypanosomes, Leishmania, Eimeria, Toxoplasms, Cryptosporidia, Plasmodia, as well as with parasitic nematodes and cestodes. The composition of participating groups will foster an interdisciplinary approach and at the same time keep the focus on phenomena specific for parasitism.