Trypanosoma cruzi surface mucins: host-dependent coat diversity.
The surface of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is covered in mucins, which contribute to parasite protection and to the establishment of a persistent infection. Their importance is highlighted by the fact that the approximately 850 mucin-encoding genes comprise approximately 1% of the parasite genome and approximately 6% of all predicted T. cruzi genes. The coordinate expression of a large repertoire of mucins containing variable regions in the mammal-dwelling stages of the T. cruzi life cycle suggests a possible strategy to thwart the host immune response. Here, we discuss the expression profiling of T. cruzi mucins, the mechanisms leading to the acquisition of mucin diversity and the possible consequences of a mosaic surface coat in the interplay between parasite and host.
Buscaglia
Carlos A
CA
Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martn-CONICET, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Campo
Vanina A
VA
Frasch
Alberto C C
AC
Di Noia
Javier M
JM
D000818:Animals; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000469:parasitology; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D017125:Genes, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D009077:Mucins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D014774:Virulence
D009077:Mucins; D015800:Protozoan Proteins