Evolution of the variant surface glycoprotein family in African trypanosomes

Pereira, Sara Silva, Jackson, Andrew P ORCID: 0000-0002-5704-8596 and Figueiredo, Luisa M (2022) Evolution of the variant surface glycoprotein family in African trypanosomes. TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY, 38 (1). pp. 23-36.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2021.07.012

Abstract

An intriguing and remarkable feature of African trypanosomes is their antigenic variation system, mediated by the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) family and fundamental to both immune evasion and disease epidemiology within host populations. Recent studies have revealed that the VSG repertoire has a complex evolutionary history. Sequence diversity, genomic organization, and expression patterns are species-specific, which may explain other variations in parasite virulence and disease pathology. Evidence also shows that we may be underestimating the extent to what VSGs are repurposed beyond their roles as variant antigens, establishing a need to examine VSG functionality more deeply. Here, we review sequence variation within the VSG gene family, and highlight the many opportunities to explore their likely diverse contributions to parasite survival.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Animals, Trypanosoma, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosomiasis, African, Membrane Glycoproteins, Variant Surface Glycoproteins, Trypanosoma, Antigenic Variation
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2022 14:18
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 21:13
DOI:	10.1016/j.pt.2021.07.012
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2021.07.012
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3148424