Host-pathogen interactions mediated by extracellular vesicles in Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy

Affiliation
Secci´on de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigaci´on, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía-Instituto Polit´ecnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
Gómez-Chávez, Fernando;
GND
121666272X
ORCID
0000-0003-4093-1419
Affiliation
Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena
Murrieta-Coxca, José M.;
ORCID
0000-0003-4269-8251
Affiliation
Secretaría de Salud, Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, Mexico
Caballero-Ortega, Heriberto;
GND
1029632839
Affiliation
Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena
Morales-Prieto, Diana M.;
GND
113616759113616759
ORCID
0000-0001-5299-595X
Affiliation
Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena
Markert, Udo R.

Molecular communication between a pathogen and its host is crucial for a successful interplay. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as mediators for the delivery of molecular signals among pathogens or between pathogens and the host. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an intracellular parasite with a worldwide presence, produces EVs itself, or induces the secretion of EVs from infected host cells potentially having capacities to modulate the host immune response. T. gondii infection is particularly important during pregnancy. Depending on the gestational age at the time of infection, the parasite can be transmitted through the placenta to the fetus, causing clinical complications such as jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, chorioretinitis, cranioencephalic abnormalities, or even death. T. gondii infection is related to a pro-inflammatory immune response in both mother and fetus, which may enhance parasite transmission, but the implication of EV signaling in this process remains unclear. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on EV release from T. gondii and its human host cells in regard to the immunological consequences and the passage through the placenta.

Cite

Citation style:
Could not load citation form.

Rights

Use and reproduction: