The moving junction, a key portal to host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites

► Apicomplexan parasites actively invade their host cell using actin-based motility. ► Host cell attachment is mediated by proteins secreted from the apical complex. ► Rhoptry neck (RON) proteins are inserted into the host cell membrane. ► The parasite cell surface protein AMA1 binds to RON2 to form a tight junction. ► Migration of the parasite past this 'moving junction' results in cell entry.