Beyond the VSG layer: Exploring the role of intrinsic disorder in the invariant surface glycoproteins of African trypanosomes.

ABSTRACT: In the bloodstream of mammalian hosts, African trypanosomes face the challenge of protecting their invariant surface receptors from immune detection. This crucial role is fulfilled by a dense, glycosylated protein layer composed of variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs), which undergo antigenic variation and provide a physical barrier that shields the underlying invariant surface glycoproteins (ISGs). The protective shield's limited permeability comes at the cost of restricted access to the extracellular host environment, raising questions regarding the specific function of the ISG repertoire. In this study, we employ an integrative structural biology approach to show that intrinsically disordered membrane-proximal regions are a common feature of members of the ISG super-family, conferring t

SUBMITTER: Sulzen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11065263 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature