Cell motility of sporozoan protozoa

Abstract

Parasitic protozoa need to be capable of movement. This is particularly important for their ability to locate and invade target cells or the organs of their hosts, and could therefore represent a novel target for chemotherapy or immune-mediated attack. Unlike the crawling movement of amoebae and vertebrate fibroblasts, sporozoon protozoa are characterized by a 'gliding movement' in which no obvious changes occur in cell shape. Here Conrad King discusses cellular motility particularly in sporozoites of Eimeria and Plasmodium, discussing current ideas about the possible motor mechanisms involved.