Stage-dependent expression of sporoAMA1 links chronic infection and transmission in Toxoplasma gondii

Résumé fourni par la source

Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) family proteins contribute to host-cell invasion in apicomplexan parasites, but the function of sporozoite AMA1 (sporoAMA1) in Toxoplasma gondii remains unclear. We identified distinct forms of the sporoAMA1 protein in bradyzoites, sexual stages and oocysts. Although endogenous tagging failed to detect fluorescence, transcripts were readily detected by RT-PCR. Functional analyses showed that sporoAMA1 is dispensable for tachyzoite growth but required for efficient cyst formation, chronic infection, oocyst production and sporulation. These findings reveal that sporoAMA1 contributes to multiple developmental processes associated with chronic infection and transmission in T. gondii.

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