Folic acid protects against Toxoplasma gondii antigen-induced vascular injury via the CD36-autophagy-lysosomal Axis

STAg-induced vascular injury. FA acts by suppressing CD36 expression, thereby limiting STAg uptake and attenuating ALP hyperactivation, together preserving vascular integrity at the molecular, structural, and metabolic levels. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that pathogen-derived proteins can reprogram ECs into an SEC-like phenotype in a CD36‑dependent manner, with subsequent dysfunction of ALP. Our findings not only identify pathogen-derived proteins as novel mediators of vascular injury but also establish the CD36-ALP axis as a promising therapeutic target. Furthermore, we propose FA as a potent vascular-protective agent.