In a recent study, a global team of researchers took control of the system Toxoplasmosis uses to secrete proteins into the host cell. The genetic engineering team Toxoplasmosis to create a hybrid protein by combining one of its secreted proteins with a protein called MECP2that regulates gene activity in the brain — in effect giving MECP2 a piggyback ride into neurons. The researchers found that the parasites secreted the MECP2 hybrid protein into neurons grown in a petri dish, as well as into the brains of infected mice.
A genetic deficiency in the MECP2 gene causes a uncommon brain development disorder called Simple Syndrome. Gene Therapy Research using viruses to deliver the MECP2 protein for the treatment of Rett syndrome are ongoing. If Toxoplasmosis can deliver a form of the MECP2 protein to brain cells, could provide another treatment option for this currently incurable disease. It could also offer another treatment option for other neurological problems that result from faulty proteins, such as Alzheimer’s disease AND Parkinson’s disease.
There’s a long road ahead of us
This the path from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside it’s long and full of obstacles, so don’t expect to see anything designed Toxoplasmosis soon in the clinic.
Obvious complications in exploit Toxoplasmosis for medical purposes is that it can cause a grave, lifelong infection that is currently incurable. Infecting someone Toxoplasmosis Power damage critical organ systemsincluding the brain, eyes and heart.
However, until one third of the world’s population I am currently wearing Toxoplasmosis in their brains, apparently without incident. Modern research has linked the infection to an increased risk of schizophrenia, rage disorders and recklessness, suggesting that this mute infection may be predisposing some people to serious neurological problems.
Prevalence Toxoplasmosis infections can also be another complication, as they disqualify many people from using it for treatment. Because billions of people who already carry the parasite have developed immunity to future infections, therapeutic forms Toxoplasmosis would be quickly destroyed by their immune system once injected.
In some cases, the benefits of using Toxoplasmosis as a drug delivery system might outweigh the risks. Engineering delicate forms of the parasite could produce the proteins patients need without damaging the organ — the brain — that defines who we are.