Antigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei: joining the DOTs

PLoS Biol. 2008 Jul 29;6(7):e185. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0060185.

Abstract

The survival ofTrypanosoma brucei relies on the sucessive expression of a single surface protein gene from a family of around 1,000 genes. This switching appears to be partly dictated by epigenetic changes in chromatin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigenic Variation / genetics*
  • Antigenic Variation / immunology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / immunology
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / genetics*
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / immunology*
  • Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma / genetics
  • Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma / immunology

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma