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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Jan 16.
Published in final edited form as: Cell Host Microbe. 2013 Jan 16;13(1):15–28. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2012.12.001

Figure 7. Model of Host GPCR-Mediated Cytolysis.

Figure 7

Parasite ligands, perhaps TCA cycle intermediates generated during periods of high parasite replication, activate host GPCRs on the PV membrane and initiate a signaling cascade through host Gαq. PKC-mediated phosphorylation liberates adducin from the host cell cytoskeleton, activating the mechanosensitive plasma membrane cation channel TRPC6. CaMKII-activation following Ca2+ influx mediates phosphorylation of cytoskeletal substrates, which, upon rapid influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular media, are proteolyzed by calpain to allow for cytoskeletal dissolution and parasite release. Also see Figure S5.