Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, obligate intracellular protozoan parasite in human and animals. Chronic infection with this parasite is likely one of the most common infection in human. Following invasion of host cells T. gondii resides within membrane-bound vacuoles known as parasitophorous vacuole （PV）, which can protect the parasite from the endosomal acidification and lysosomal fusion of host cells. It plays an essential role in the whole parasitic process of T. gondii. This review summarizes the mechanism of PV formation and its function in the host cells.

Key words: Toxoplasma gondii, Parasitophorous vacuole, Intracellular parasitization