Implications of calreticulin function in parasite biology.

Calreticulin (CR) is a Ca(2+)-binding, multifunctional protein. The amazing array of CR-associated functions range from intracellular activities in secondary messenger release, protein folding and the modulation of gene expression to potential interactions with host receptors and signaling machinery and recognition by the host immune system. The multifunctional nature of CR may impact upon the ability of cells to recognize extracellular stimuli and coordinate appropriate responses. Identification of CR isolated from parasites and the conservation of its functions suggests that investigations into the contributions of CR to various aspects of parasite biology should be undertaken because it may reveal information regarding parasite interaction with the host and how the parasite may modulate its response to the host.