Genome-wide screens identify Toxoplasma gondii determinants of parasite fitness in IFNγ-activated murine macrophages

Nat Commun. 2020 Oct 16;11(1):5258. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18991-8.

Abstract

Macrophages play an essential role in the early immune response against Toxoplasma and are the cell type preferentially infected by the parasite in vivo. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) elicits a variety of anti-Toxoplasma activities in macrophages. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen we identify 353 Toxoplasma genes that determine parasite fitness in naїve or IFNγ-activated murine macrophages, seven of which are further confirmed. We show that one of these genes encodes dense granule protein GRA45, which has a chaperone-like domain, is critical for correct localization of GRAs into the PVM and secretion of GRA effectors into the host cytoplasm. Parasites lacking GRA45 are more susceptible to IFNγ-mediated growth inhibition and have reduced virulence in mice. Together, we identify and characterize an important chaperone-like GRA in Toxoplasma and provide a resource for the community to further explore the function of Toxoplasma genes that determine fitness in IFNγ-activated macrophages.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Genome, Protozoan
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / genetics
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology*
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / parasitology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Toxoplasma / genetics*
  • Toxoplasma / growth & development
  • Toxoplasma / metabolism
  • Toxoplasma / pathogenicity
  • Toxoplasmosis / genetics
  • Toxoplasmosis / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / parasitology
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Interferon-gamma