The Department of Parasitology studies the infection mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis in humans and other warm-blooded animals. To elucidate the host cell invasion mechanisms of T. gondii, the department investigates the functions of secretory and excretory proteins from the parasite and studies the host cell invasion processes and parasitic lifestyles of related protozoa.

Research also focuses on the integrated study of STAT signaling pathways in host cells during T. gondii infection, identifying the molecules involved, and comprehensively revealing the immune regulatory mechanisms of infected host cells that are controlled by signals secreted from the parasitophorous vacuole of T. gondii.

The department aims to uncover how T. gondii evades the host’s continuous immune responses after invasion, migrates to new hosts, and maintains its parasitic life. By elucidating the mechanisms through which T. gondii manipulates host immune responses, this research lays the groundwork for developing therapies targeting bradyzoites, which can invade the brain and cause chronic infection.