Kills Host Cells Using Trogocytosis.

() is an infectious parasite that is prevalent worldwide in poultry and can cause death in both poultry and wild birds. Although studies have shown that damages host cells through direct contact, the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we found that can kill host cells by ingesting fragments of the host cells, that is, by trogocytosis. Moreover, we found that the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64D prevented from destroying host cells. To the best of our knowledge, our study has demonstrated for the first time that uses trogocytosis to kill host cells. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for the prevention and control of avian trichomoniasis and will contribute to the development of vaccines and drugs for the prevention and control of avian trichomoniasis.