Plasmodium yoelii Uses a TLR3-Dependent Pathway to Achieve Mammalian Host Parasitism

Sylviane Pied's team at CIIL has shown that intrahepatic development of Plasmodium yoelii is associated with activation of the TLR3 pathway which promotes efficient development of blood stages by promoting early high production of interferon-γ and a decrease type α, β interferons at the same time as an inhibition of the protective antibody response. These data strongly suggest the use of strategies by the parasite based on TLR3-dependent molecular pathways to manipulate the host response during infection.