A cluster of four surface antigen genes specifically expressed in bradyzoites, SAG2CDXY, plays an important role in Toxoplasma gondii persistence.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most successful protozoan parasites of warm-blooded animals. Stage-specific expression of its surface molecules is thought to be key to its ability to establish chronic infection in immunocompetent animals. The rapidly dividing tachyzoite stage displays a different subset of family of surface antigen 1 (SAG1)-related sequences (SRSs) from that displayed by the encysted bradyzoite stage. It is possible that this switch is necessary to protect the bradyzoites against an immune response raised against the tachyzoite stage. Alternatively, it might be that bradyzoite SRSs evolved to facilitate invasion of different cell types, such as those found in the brain, where cysts develop, or the small intestine, where bradyzoites must enter after oral infection. Here we

SUBMITTER: Saeij JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2423105 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature