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Trypanosoma cruzi surface mucins: host-dependent coat diversity.
- Source :
-
Nature reviews. Microbiology [Nat Rev Microbiol] 2006 Mar; Vol. 4 (3), pp. 229-36. - Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- 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.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Chagas Disease parasitology
Evolution, Molecular
Genes, Protozoan genetics
Host-Parasite Interactions
Humans
Mucins chemistry
Mucins genetics
Mucins physiology
Protozoan Proteins chemistry
Protozoan Proteins genetics
Protozoan Proteins physiology
Trypanosoma cruzi pathogenicity
Trypanosoma cruzi physiology
Virulence
Trypanosoma cruzi chemistry
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1740-1526
- Volume :
- 4
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nature reviews. Microbiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 16489349
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1351