Do apicomplexan parasites hijack the host cell microRNA pathway for their intracellular development?

Abstract

RNA silencing plays an important role in development through the action of microRNAs, which fine tune the expression of a large portion of the genome. It is also very important in innate immune responses, especially in antiviral and antibacterial defenses in plants, insects, and animals. Two recent papers now indicate that apicomplexan parasites display the ability to interfere with host microRNA populations. © 2010 Faculty of 1000 Ltd.