Host Determinants
Research Focus
Our team is dedicated to identifying and characterizing the host determinants that Toxoplasma gondii leverages during infection. Using cutting-edge techniques such as CRISPR-based gene editing, transcriptomics, and high-resolution imaging, we aim to dissect the molecular underpinnings of host cellular pathways influenced by the parasite. Collaborations with experts in parasitology and neuroscience strengthen our efforts to uncover novel therapeutic targets.
Introduction
The success of Toxoplasma gondii as a versatile and persistent intracellular parasite is not solely dependent on its own signaling machinery but also on its ability to exploit host cellular pathways. Host determinants—molecular and cellular factors within the host—play a pivotal role in modulating the parasite's infectivity, persistence, and impact on host physiology. These determinants influence critical processes such as immune evasion, manipulation of cellular signaling, and tissue-specific interactions.
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Team: Host Hunters​
The team specializes in key areas of host-pathogen dynamics.
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Keith studies neuronal determinants influencing host manipulation via CRISPR-based approaches.
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Mustafa explores the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly miRNAs, in skeletal muscle infection.
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Devika investigates molecular mechanisms during Toxoplasma transmigration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
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Vaibhav focuses on neuro-vascular interactions underlying chronic toxoplasmosis, particularly on the neuroimmune axis and BBB dysfunction.
This multidisciplinary team combines experimental and computational methods to reveal how an intracellular parasite exploits host factors, driving innovation in infectious disease research.