FOXO1-Mediated NOX4 Expression is Required for Host to Defense in the Model of Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Previous study illustrated that PI3K-AKT pathway is an essential target for Toxoplasma gondii to neutralize host defense system by inhibiting intracellular host ROS level. Here, we demonstrate that FOXO transcription factor as a direct controller of the ROS generating enzyme, NOX4, transcription. The interaction between Nox4 promoter and the FOXO showed that NOX4 expression and host ROS level are strictly controlled by FOXO, and host susceptibility to T. gondii is highly dependent on it. Our findings provide biological insights into the role of FOXO in controlling NOX4 and ROS production and how T. gondii takes advantage of the system for their survival and growth during infection.