Selective and strain-specific NFAT4 activation by the Toxoplasma gondii polymorphic dense granule protein GRA6

Selective and strain-specific NFAT4 activation by the Toxoplasma gondii polymorphic dense granule protein GRA6

Toxoplasma gondii infection results in co-option and subversion of host cellular signaling pathways. This process involves discharge of T. gondii effector molecules from parasite secretory organelles such as rhoptries and dense granules. We report that the T. gondii polymorphic dense granule protein GRA6 regulates activation of the host transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells 4...

Clone of the gene of the dense granule antigen (GRA6) of the Toxoplasma gondii pig strain.

The gene of GRA6 of Toxoplasma gondii pig strain was cloned; and the value of recombinant GRA6 as a diagnostic antigen of toxoplasmosis in China was investigated. A pair of primers was synthesized according to the DNA sequence of GRA6 of T. gondii RH strain, and the DNA of pig strain tachyzoites was prepared. A single, specific DNA fragment was successfully amplified from the genomic DNA of tac...

Strain-specific activation of the NF-κB pathway by GRA15, a novel Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein

NF-κB is an integral component of the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii. Although evidence exists that T. gondii can directly modulate the NF-κB pathway, the parasite-derived effectors involved are unknown. We determined that type II strains of T. gondii activate more NF-κB than type I or type III strains, and using forward genetics we found that this difference is a result of the polymorphi...

Strain-specific activation of the NF-kappa B pathway by GRA15, a novel Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein

Bacterial Production of Dense Granule Antigen GRA8 of Toxoplasma gondii

Background: Dense granule antigens (GRA antigens) of Toxoplasma gondii induce strong antibody response in humans and are considered as useful diagnostic antigens. Previous studies reported expression of amino terminal GRA8 protein in fusion with large tags such as glutathione-S-transferase. The present study aimed to produce soluble full length immunogenic GRA8 in bacteria. Methods: GRA8 comple...