Work

Protocol to enhance pre-sexual and sexual differentiation of Toxoplasma gondii using retinal cells and intestinal organoid-derived monolayers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii undergoes pre-sexual and sexual differentiation primarily in feline hosts, limiting experimental study. Here, we present a protocol for enhancing T. gondii stage differentiation using non-feline in vitro systems. We describe culturing human retinal pigment epithelial cells and murine intestinal organoid-derived monolayers in felid-environment-like with linoleic acid excess (FELIX) medium to mimic feline intestinal lipid biochemistry, combined with conditional MORC depletion to promote stage conversion. We detail procedures for host cell preparation, parasite culture, infection, and assessment of stage-specific gene and protein expression. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cancela et al. 1

Source: STAR Protocols

DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104367

Authors: Saira Cancela, Florencia Sena, Romina Pagotto, María E. Francia, Mariela Bollati-Fogolín

Institutions: Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Universidad de la República de Uruguay

Language: English

Topic: Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,550