Variable Surface Glycoprotein from Trypanosoma brucei Undergoes Cleavage by Matrix Metalloproteinases: An in silico Approach.

ABSTRACT: In order to survive as extracellular parasites in the mammalian host environment, Trypanosoma brucei has developed efficient mechanisms of immune system evasion, which include the abundant expression of a variable surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat. VSGs are anchored in the parasite membrane by covalent C-terminal binding to glycosylphosphatidylinositol and may be periodically removed by a phospholipase C (PLC) and a major surface protein (TbMSP). VSG molecules show extraordinary antigenic diversity and a comparative analysis of protein sequences suggests that conserved elements may be a suitable target against African trypanosomiasis. However, the cleavage mechanisms of these molecules remain unclear. Moreover, in protozoan infections, including those caused by Trypanosoma brucei</

SUBMITTER: Moreno CJG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6963732 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature