Abstract: Microneme protein 3(MIC3) of Toxoplasma gondii is a secreted protein. MIC3 has high immunoreactivity,and plays an important role in recognization, adhesion and invasion for T.gondii to host cells. Studies on MIC3 of T.gondii will promote the development of diagnostics agents and vaccines to prevent T.gondii infection.Here,the research advances on molecular characterization of MIC3 and its potential applications on developing diagnosis mathods and vaccine were reviewed.

Key words: Toxoplasma gondii; MIC3; molecular characterization; vaccine