VSG-GPI anchors of African trypanosomes: their role in macrophage activation and induction of infection-associated immunopathology.
African trypanosomes express a glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI)-anchored variant-specific surface glycoprotein (VSG) as a protective coat. During infection, large amounts of VSG molecules are released into the circulation. Their interaction with various cells of the immune system underlies the severe infection-associated pathology. Recent results have shown that anti-GPI vaccination can prevent the occurrence of this pathology.
Magez
Stefan
S
Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Free University of Brussels/Flemish Interuniversity, Institute for Biotechnology, Paardenstraat 65, Sint Genesius Rode, Belgium. stemagez@vub.ac.be
Stijlemans
Benoît
B
Baral
Toya
T
De Baetselier
Patrick
P
D000349:Africa; D000818:Animals; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014347:Trypanosoma brucei gambiense / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D016833:Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014352:Trypanosomiasis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000662:veterinary; D010738:Type C Phospholipases / Q000378:metabolism; D014611:Vaccination; D014643:Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*
D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D014643:Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma; D010738:Type C Phospholipases