<I>Toxoplasma gondii</I> (IMAGE) Washington University School of Medicine Caption Toxoplasma gondii and other related parasites surround themselves with a membrane to protect against factors in host cells that would otherwise kill them. Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a parasite protein that protects this membrane from host proteins that can rupture it. Accoding to the researchers, disabling the parasite's defensive protein could help give hosts an advantage in the battle against infection. Credit Wandy Beatty/Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.