The Trypanosoma Brucei KIFC1 Kinesin Ensures the Fast Antibody Clearance Required for Parasite Infectivity.

ABSTRACT: Human innate immunity to Trypanosoma brucei involves the trypanosome C-terminal kinesin TbKIFC1, which transports internalized trypanolytic factor apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) within the parasite. We show that TbKIFC1 preferentially associates with cholesterol-containing membranes and is indispensable for mammalian infectivity. Knockdown of TbKIFC1 did not affect trypanosome growth in vitro but rendered the parasites unable to infect mice unless antibody synthesis was compromised. Surface clearance of Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG)-antibody complexes was far slower in these cells, which were more susceptible to capture by macrophages. This phenotype was not due to defects in VSG expression or trafficking but to decreased VSG mobility in a less fluid, sti

SUBMITTER: Lecordier L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7479354 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature