Parasites infect human beings and the human body starts on its immunity system to fight the infection. Till recently, little was known about how the parasitic infections are fought by the human immunity system. A recent research done by the researchers of Yale School of Medicine had identified a molecule that triggers the immune system and helps the body fight the infections caused by the parasite.
A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) that causes toxoplasmosis is detected by human proteins called Toll-like receptors (TLR) that alert the immune system and the body fights the condition. In such an infection it is very important for the human body to identify the threat before the immune system can function to fight the infection. Scientists have identified a new form of TLR called TLR 11 that alerts the immunity of the body in case of toxoplasmosis. The specific molecule of TLR 11 in this case was identified as Toxoplasma profilin. It is the profilins that triggers the immune reaction in man to the condition of toxoplasmosis.The new research is expected to open up the door to parasitic infections and developing of vaccines that may deal with such infections.
