All articles tagged with #toxoplasma gondii
Researchers in mice found that CD8+ T cells infected by the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii can trigger caspase-8–mediated self-destruction, killing the parasite-containing cells and preventing spread in the brain; absence of caspase-8 in these T cells leads to more brain infection, revealing a surprising protective role for T cell death and suggesting new avenues for toxoplasmosis treatment.
Researchers at UVA Health found that the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect CD8+ T cells, but these immune cells use the enzyme caspase-8 to trigger a self-destruct mechanism that kills the infected cell and the parasite inside. In mice lacking caspase-8 in their T cells, brain parasite levels were higher and outcomes worse, indicating caspase-8 is crucial for limiting brain infection. With about a third of people believed to carry T. gondii, most cases are asymptomatic, though toxoplasmosis remains a risk for the immunocompromised. The study, published in Science Advances, enhances understanding of how the immune system controls the parasite and why T cells’ self-destruction can prevent brain persistence.
A UC Riverside study using single-cell RNA sequencing finds that Toxoplasma gondii cysts in mouse brains contain multiple parasite subtypes, not just dormant forms, with some subtypes showing growth and reactivation potential, challenging the idea of a single dormant cyst and highlighting new targets for toxoplasmosis treatments.
Researchers at UVA Health found that Toxoplasma gondii can infect CD8+ T cells in the brain. Caspase-8 triggers the infected cells to die, cutting off the parasite's life cycle. Mice lacking caspase-8 show higher brain parasite loads and worse outcomes, while normal mice clear the infection. The finding highlights a brain-specific immune defense and a potential target for treatment in at-risk individuals.
Scientists have discovered that disabling a specific protein, TgAP2X-7, in the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can effectively kill it by preventing invasion, replication, and survival, offering hope for safer treatments of toxoplasmosis, especially in immunocompromised patients.
A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, spread mainly through cats, may influence human behavior by increasing dopamine levels, leading to riskier and more aggressive actions. It infects a significant portion of the population worldwide, often without symptoms, and can alter brain chemistry to reduce fear responses, potentially impacting societal behavior and violence. Preventative measures include good hygiene and proper food handling.
Research indicates that Toxoplasma gondii and other parasites can alter brain chemistry, increasing impulsivity, aggression, and risk-taking behaviors in humans, potentially impacting mental health and societal trends. These parasites manipulate dopamine and immune responses, which may influence personality traits and behavior, raising public health concerns and prompting further investigation into their broader effects.
Nearly one-third of Americans are infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that silently alters brain function by disrupting neuron-astrocyte communication through changes in extracellular vesicles, potentially increasing risks for neurological disorders and offering new avenues for detection and treatment.
A study reveals that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can significantly disrupt brain function by impairing neuronal communication and altering glial cell activity, which may contribute to neurological and behavioral issues, especially in vulnerable populations. The research highlights the importance of understanding the parasite's impact on brain health and suggests potential avenues for protective strategies.
New research shows that the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii disrupts neuron communication by reducing extracellular vesicle signaling, which may contribute to neurological and behavioral conditions; detection and treatment strategies are being explored.
Scientists at UC Riverside discovered that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii disrupts brain cell communication by reducing extracellular vesicle signaling, which can affect neural balance and potentially lead to neurological issues, highlighting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment of brain infections.
A recent study suggests that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can directly damage human sperm by causing decapitation and deformities, potentially contributing to global male infertility trends. The parasite can infect male reproductive organs, and exposure may be linked to reduced sperm quality, although more research is needed to confirm this connection. Preventative measures include proper hygiene, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding raw foods.
A recent study suggests that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can directly damage human sperm by causing decapitation and deformities, potentially contributing to declining male fertility rates worldwide. The parasite infects many people globally and can target reproductive organs, raising concerns about its impact on human fertility, although more research is needed. Preventative measures include proper food handling and hygiene practices.
A recent study shows that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can directly damage human sperm, potentially contributing to declining male fertility rates, by decapitating sperm cells within five minutes of contact. The parasite infects various organs, including reproductive organs, and is widespread globally, emphasizing the importance of prevention measures such as proper food handling and hygiene.
This week's scientific highlights include the discovery of the first known intermediate-mass black hole in the Omega Centauri cluster, a study on the role of water in muscle contraction, the development of a waste-recycling suit for astronauts, and new insights into the metabolism of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.