In the belly of the beast: Subversion of macrophage proinflammatory signalling cascades during Toxoplasma gondii infection

Abstract

Macrophages (MØ) are used as the intracellular niche by several bacterial and protozoan microorganisms. Such microbial pathogens adopt diverse strategies to avoid MØ microbicidal effects. Recent insights into the Toxoplasma gondii-MØ interaction reveal novel ways that intracellular parasites subvert MØ function. In contrast to some microbial pathogens, Toxoplasma infection is not silent but induces rapid activation of transcription factors such as STAT-1 and NFκB. However, the parasite blocks nuclear translocation of both factors, and MØ cannot produce IL-12 or TNF-α when subsequently triggered with lipopolysaccharide. The nuclear import blockade is lifted 24 h after infection, but cells remain actively suppressed in TNF-α production. Nevertheless, IL-12 synthesis is initiated at this later time point. Toxoplasma gondii-induced production of this cytokine occurs through both MyD88- and CCR5-dependent pathways. The balance of cytokine subversion and stimulation during infection probably results from the parasite's need to simultaneously avoid immune elimination and trigger immunity to prevent host death.