Modelling trypanosome chronicity: VSG dynasties and parasite density.
A new mathematical model developed by Lythgoe et al. shows that the semi-predictable order of trypanosome antigenic variation can be generated by two parasite-intrinsic factors. The first is the different probabilities of antigen-gene activation that result from the different molecular mechanisms by which the genes become expressed. The second is the density-dependent differentiation of slender to stumpy cells. The study has important implications for understanding the dynamics of antigenic variation and for modelling the consequences of therapeutic strategies directed against trypanosomes.
MacGregor
Paula
P
Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK.
Matthews
Keith R
KR
D000818:Animals; D000940:Antigenic Variation; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000276:immunology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011156:Population Density; D014345:Trypanosoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D014352:Trypanosomiasis / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology*; D014643:Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma / Q000276:immunology*
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D014643:Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma