IMPLICATIONS OF CALRETICULIN FUNCTION IN PARASITE BIOLOGY

Calreticulin (CR) is it Ca2+-binding, multifunctional protein. The ama zing array of CX-associated functions range from intracellular activit ies in secondary messenger release, protein folding and the modulation of gene expression to potential interactions with host receptors and signaling machinery and recognition by the host immune system. The mul tifunctional nature of CA may impact upon the ability of cells to reco gnize extracellular stimuli and coordinate appropriate responses. Iden tification of CX isolated from parasites and the conservation of its f unctions suggests that investigations into the contributions of CA to various aspects of parasite biology should be undertaken because it ma y reveal information regarding parasite interaction with the host and how the parasite may modulate its response to the host.