IMMEDIATE HOST DEFENSIVE RESPONSE. “Infection by protozoan parasites is often accompanied by the production and secretion of cytokines and other immune effectors that can induce apoptosis in host cells. This response creates a hostile environment characterized by increased levels of FasL, TNF-α, IFN-γ, various other cytokines which induce apoptosis, and the activities of immune effector cells.”
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2007.05714.x/full
