IInternational Conference on Advances in Toxoplasmosis Research
Date: April 20–21, 2026 | Format: Virtual (EDT)
Organized by: Impact Research Communications
Symposium Chair: Dr. Vicki Jeffers, University of New Hampshire, USA
The 2026 edition of the International Conference on Advances in Toxoplasmosis Research convened leading parasitologists, immunologists, and molecular biologists from across the globe. Over two days, the symposium highlighted breakthroughs in host-pathogen interactions, parasite biology, immunometabolism, and translational insights—underscoring the importance of advancing Toxoplasma gondii research for human and animal health.
Day 1: Host Behavior, Metabolism & Immunity
Session I: Host-Parasite Interactions & Metabolism
- Dr. Joanne Webster (UK) explored how Toxoplasma gondiimanipulates host behavior, linking rodent attraction to feline predators with human neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Dr. Nishith Gupta (India) detailed parasite autonomy in synthesizing major phospholipids.
- Dr. Zahady Velásquez (Germany) presented findings on infection-induced genome instability and spermatozoa damage.
- Dr. Clare Harding (UK) discussed parasite acquisition of essential metals.
- Dr. Martin Blume (Germany) highlighted metabolic vulnerabilities of bradyzoites.
Session II: Transcriptional Regulation & Gametogenesis
- Dr. Jon Boyle (USA) used scRNAseq to characterize feline gametocyte stages, identifying regulators of gametogenesis.
- Dr. Vicki Jeffers (USA) examined divergent TATA-box binding proteins.
- Dr. Maritza Jaramillo (Canada) revealed FOXO-dependent transcriptional dysregulation in trophoblasts during infection.
Session III: Neuroinflammation & Immune Detection
- Dr. Elsa Suberbielle (France) linked chronic IL-1 signaling to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration.
- Dr. Jeroen Saeij (USA) described primate-restricted T cell subsets detecting Toxoplasma.
- Dr. Lena Pernas (USA) showed how social sensing of infection reprograms peripheral immunity.
- Dr. Sarah Ewald (USA) demonstrated parasite-mediated blockade of AIM2 inflammasome activation.
- Dr. Maria Francia (Uruguay) presented on parasite division and fate resolution.
Day 1 concluded with closing remarks emphasizing the integration of molecular insights with translational research.
Day 2: Parasite Structures, Immunometabolism & Virulence
Session IV: Parasite Structures & Motility
- Dr. Puran Singh Sijwali (India) identified an ER-resident lipid scramblase essential for organelle biogenesis.
- Dr. Elena Jimenez-Ruiz (Germany) described a dual methyltransferase module regulating motility initiation.
- Dr. Albert Tell I Puig (Switzerland) analyzed the apical complex as a critical infection tool.
Session V: Immunity & Placental Crossing
- Dr. Tanmay Majumdar (India) showed how β-catenin-driven immunometabolism shapes T-cell plasticity.
- Dr. Sabrina Marion (France) discussed strain-specific modulation of dendritic cell responses.
- Dr. Melissa Lodoen (USA) presented on myeloid cell immunity against infection.
- Dr. Lamba Omar Sangare (USA) examined mechanisms of placental barrier crossing.
Session VI: Exocytosis, Trafficking & Virulence Factors
- Dr. Daniela Sparvoli (France) revealed an Alveolata-specific GTPase complex gating exocytosis.
- Dr. Kevin Brown (USA) studied guanylate cyclase complex trafficking.
- Dr. Li-av Segev Zarko (USA) described apical complex reorganization for invasion.
- Dr. Maria Corvi (Argentina) demonstrated the essential role of Hsp40 Tgjl’s prenylatable domain in virulence.
The symposium closed with remarks highlighting the convergence of structural biology, immunology, and host-pathogen dynamics in advancing Toxoplasma research.
Global Participation
Countries represented included: USA, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Argentina, Uruguay, India, and Canada—reflecting the international scope of parasitology and infectious disease research.
Key Takeaways
- Host manipulation: Behavioral and cognitive impacts of Toxoplasma infection are increasingly linked to neuropsychiatric outcomes.
- Parasite biology: Advances in lipid metabolism, organelle biogenesis, and apical complex regulation reveal vulnerabilities for intervention.
- Immunity: Novel insights into dendritic cell responses, myeloid immunity, and placental crossing expand understanding of host defense.
- Virulence factors: Structural domains and signaling complexes are critical determinants of parasite survival and pathogenicity.
- Global collaboration: The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment to tackling toxoplasmosis through interdisciplinary science and innovation.
