Antigenic variation is a key survival tactic for pathogens, particularly highlighted by Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis. This parasite changes its surface proteins, known as variant surface glycoproteins (VSG), to avoid detection by the immune system. T. brucei has about 2,500 distinct VSG genes stored in silent arrays, with expression controlled by telomere-proximal expression sites. This complex genetic framework enables T. brucei to persist in its mammalian host, effectively undermining the immune response and contributing to its pathogenicity.
Antigenic variation is a survival strategy employed by pathogens, including Trypanosoma brucei, allowing them to evade the host immune response by altering surface antigens.
Trypanosoma brucei, through its vast repertoire of variant surface glycoproteins, can indefinitely confuse the immune system, resulting in persistence within the mammalian host.
#antigenic-variation #trypanosoma-brucei #immune-evasion #pathogenesis #human-african-trypanosomiasis
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