Epigenetic Modifiers Alter Host Cell Transcription to Promote Toxoplasma Infection.

Given the importance of epigenetic modification, pathogens have found a variety of ways to alter chromatin and affect host gene expression. The apicomplexan parasite expresses two nuclear targeted secreted effectors TgIST and TgNSM that target the activity of host histone deacetylase regulating corepressor complexes NuRD and NCoR/SMRT, respectively. TgIST and TgNSM are crucial for blocking the host interferon response protecting both the acute and latent stages of the infection. represents a unique model organism to study the significance of epigenetic modifications in the regulation of interferon responses and other transcriptional responses at the interface of host-pathogen interaction.