We work on the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is an important opportunistic pathogen in humans and animals, and a model for understanding the biology of intracellular parasitism. The research aims to define the molecular mechanisms utilized by Toxoplasma, and related apicomplexan parasites, to manipulate the host´s immune system to their own advantage and thereby promote colonization and transmission of infection.

Host cell manipulation and immunomodulation are important features of obligate intracellular parasites. Yet, the precise mechanisms leading to systemic dissemination of intracellular parasites (acute infection) and life-long persistence in the central nervous system (chronic infection) of the human or animal hosts remain enigmatic.

The processes of host-cell interaction, systemic dissemination and persistence are studied using molecular and cellular experimental approaches and various imaging modalities. Understanding the immune evasion strategies utilized by Toxoplasma and how it orchestrates the subversion of leukocytes may provide key elements of pathogenesis and on the rationale for designing future prophylaxis.