title: Antigenic variation during malaria infection--the contribution from the murine parasite Plasmodium chabaudi.
abstract: P. chabaudi AS strain in laboratory mice provides an accessible and useful model for investigating antigenic variation in malaria parasites. Evidence that P. chabaudi AS undergoes antigenic variation is summarized. A live indirect fluorescent test (IFAT) detects a variable antigen on the surface of schizont-infected erythrocytes. Five different variable antigen types (VATS) (detected using the live IFAT) are described from a cloned mosquito transmitted parent population. Even during the rising primary parasitaemia VATS switch at high and variable rates (1.2-1.6%). Work towards cloning genes coding for the variable antigen is briefly summarized. Acquired immunity to blood-stage P. chabaudi AS is initially mediated through Th1 CD4+ T cells and after the primary parasitaemia there is a switch to Th2 CD4+ T cells. Acquired immune effector mechanisms are discussed in the context of antigenic variation by the parasite.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infection and Immunity, Glasgow University, UK.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Brannan
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Balmer
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Neuville
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000940:Antigenic Variation / Q000276:immunology*; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000276:immunology*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D008288:Malaria / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D016788:Plasmodium chabaudi / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D000954:Antigens, Surface