Apoptosis in host-parasite interaction

Abstract

Cell apoptosis which is controlled by some inherent mechanisms is a self-killing process under psychological or pathological conditions. This phenomenon has been reported in many organisms, from lower to higher organisms. After infecting its hosts, parasite often induces or inhibits host cell apoptosis to sustain its survival. Apoptosis of host cells is one of pathogenic mechanisms during infection and may facilitate parasite to evade host's immune attack. Deepen investigation of the role of apoptosis in host-parasite interaction and its signal transduction may enrich the theory of host-parasite interaction and help to find new drug targets, thus to be beneficial for controling parasitosis more efficiently. Key words: Apoptosis; Parasite; Host