Fig. 6

Infection and development of E. tenella in AIECs. Cells were infected with E. tenella sporozoites. A After 4 h of infection, most sporozoites could find and invade AIECs. B After 6 h of infection, the invasion was successful and the sporophyte formed. C After 24 h of infection, the formation of mononuclear trophozoites were observed. D After 48 h of infection, the formation of first-generation immature schizonts was observed. E After 72 h of infection, the formation of first-generation mature schizonts with budding merozoites was observed. F After 96 h of infection, the second-generation schizonts and merozoites were observed (H&E staining). G At different time points (6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h), the effect of E. tenella activity on the endogenous developmental stage was evaluated by measuring gene expression of EtGAPDH. H Infection efficiency of E. tenella sporozoites inoculated with DF-1 and AIECs at 6 h, 24 h and 48 h. I Inoculation of E. tenella sporozoites on F10 and F30 AIECs at 24 h and 48 h. Scale bars: 20 μm