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The Nrf2 pathway is required for intracellular replication of Toxoplasma gondii in activated macrophages
Author(s) -
Pang Yu,
Zhang Zhaoxia,
Chen Yuntong,
Cao Shinuo,
Yang Xiuqin,
Jia Honglin
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
parasite immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1365-3024
pISSN - 0141-9838
DOI - 10.1111/pim.12621
Subject(s) - toxoplasma gondii , biology , intracellular , intracellular parasite , keap1 , microbiology and biotechnology , reactive oxygen species , signal transduction , toxoplasmosis , gene , immunology , genetics , transcription factor , antibody
Summary Reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) produced by oxidases and nonenzymatic sources are important for host defence against intracellular pathogens. In this study, we knocked out the Nrf2 gene in RAW 264.7 cells using the CRISPR /Cas9 system and investigated the antioxidant effects of the Nrf2 pathway in the cells stimulated by IFN ‐γ and TNF ‐α. The results indicated that the Nrf2 signalling pathway is necessary for maintaining redox homeostasis in activated RAW 264.7 cells. Inactivation of Nrf2 impaired parasite growth. We also found that p62 contributes to Nrf2‐mediated pathways involved in T gondii infection. These findings suggest that the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway may be targeted to prevent and treat toxoplasmosis.