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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #101037
Title: THE ROLE OF THE APICAL COMPLEX IN HOST CELL INVASION BY COCCIDIA

Author
item SASAI, K - DEPT VET MED OSAKA JAPAN
item BABA, E - DEPT VET MED OSAKA JAPAN
item ARAKAWA, A - DEPT VET MED OSAKA JAPAN
item Lillehoj, Hyun

Submitted to: Parasitology International Congress
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/12/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Coccidiosis is caused by several different Eimeria parasites. Eimeria infects mainly the intestine of its host and seriously damages the gut. Currently prophylactic medication is the main method of control. Ability to develop a new control strategy against coccidiosis will have a major impact on poultry industry. In this study, ARS scientists and scientists at Osaka University review the current information on how Eimeria parasites invade host cells. Specifically, this paper describes the nature of parasite receptors which are involved in host cell invasion. This information will lead to the development of a novel control strategy against coccidiosis and reduce the current economic loss of >$600 million.

Technical Abstract: Coccidia are ubiquitous protozoan parasites that require an intracellular site for growth and replication. This invasion process is initiated by the cooperation of the host cell and the parasite, followed by a series of complicated steps such as host cell recognition; parasite movements by means of subpellicular microtubule cytoskeleton; cell to cell adhesion; regulated protein secretion from three distinct parasite organelles called micronemes, rhoptries, and dense granules; conoid penetration; induction of a parasitophorus vacuole and internalization of parasites. This invasion is an active, oriented and specific process depending on chemical factors such as energy sources, cations, as well as microviscosity and membrane structures. In this study, it is aimed to provide an up-to-date coverage of the role of apical complex in host cell invasion by coccidia.