Toxoplasma's immune evasion strategy revealed by key genes.
Researchers have discovered two transcription factors that regulate the metamorphosis of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which can cause lifelong infections in humans. The parasite can morph into a dormant, defensive state, making it resistant to current treatments. By understanding the circuit and regulation of the transcription factors, scientists hope to find ways to block the parasite from entering its protected, dormant state, making it susceptible to existing drugs.