Molecular Mechanisms of Parasite Invasion

All of the parasitic organisms highlighted in this new book represent medically important human pathogens that contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. As such there is intense interest in understanding the molecular basis of infection by these pathogens—not only with regard to their clinical relevance but also the fascinating biology they reveal. For most of the parasites discussed here the ability to penetrate biological barriers and/or to establish intracellular residence is critical to survival of the pathogen in the mammalian hosts. For other parasites, a tissue invasive phenotype is a key virulence determinant. In the ensuing 18 chapters, select members of this diverse set of protozoan parasites, as well as some examples of the extremely reduced fungal parasites classified as Microsporidia, are discussed within the context of the fascinating molecular strategies employed by these organisms to migrate across biological barriers and to establish residence within target host cells.

• dynamics
• infection
• membrane
• parasite
• proteins
• protozoa

From the reviews:

"An environment in which there is extensive knowledge of the DNA, RNA and protein of key parasites and of human cells. … Readers of this book will discover that while many of the exact mechanisms … adopted by different parasites. As someone working in this field I found this book enormously interesting and useful … . Active researchers and PhD students in this and affiliated fields will no doubt find this an essential resource for several years … ." (Kevin M. Tyler, Parasites and Vectors, Issue 2, May, 2009)

• Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA

  Barbara A. Burleigh

• Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK

  Dominique Soldati-Favre

• Département de Microbiologie et Medecine Moléculaire, Université de Genève, Geneve, Switzerland

  Dominique Soldati-Favre

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