Toxoplasma gondii and the blood-brain barrier

Feustel, S.M., Meissner, M. and Liesenfeld, O. (2012) Toxoplasma gondii and the blood-brain barrier. Virulence, 3(2), pp. 182-192. (doi: 10.4161/viru.19004)

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Abstract

Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is characterized by asymptomatic latent infection in the central nervous system and skeletal muscle tissue in the majority of immunocompentent individuals. Life-threatening reactivation of the infection in immunocompromized patients originates from rupture of Toxoplasma cysts in the brain. While major progress has been made in our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of infection the mechanism(s) of neuroinvasion of the parasite remains poorly understood. The present review presents the current understanding of blood-brain barrier (patho)physiology and the interaction of Toxoplasma gondii with cells of the blood-brain barrier.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Meissner, Professor Markus
Authors: Feustel, S.M., Meissner, M., and Liesenfeld, O.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Virulence
ISSN:2150-5594
ISSN (Online):2150-5608

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