Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Genetics of surface antigen expression in Pneumocystis carinii

J R Stringer1, S P Keely

  • 1Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA. stringjr@ucmail.uc.edu

Infection and Immunity
|February 13, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This review examines the Pneumocystis carinii major surface glycoprotein (MSG) gene family and its role in surface variation. It compares this fungal system to antigenic variation in protozoa and bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular genetics
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pneumocystis carinii exhibits surface variation, a phenomenon crucial for host immune evasion.
  • The major surface glycoprotein (MSG) gene family is central to this variation.
  • Understanding MSG variation in P. carinii offers insights into microbial pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review molecular genetic data on the MSG gene family in P. carinii.
  • To elucidate the role of MSG genes in P. carinii surface variation.
  • To compare P. carinii's variation system with those in other pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular genetic studies.
  • Comparative analysis of gene families and variation mechanisms.
  • Analysis of data on Pneumocystis carinii, Trypanosoma brucei, and Borrelia spp.

Main Results:

  • The MSG gene family in P. carinii is complex and undergoes high-frequency variation.
  • Mechanisms of MSG gene switching contribute to immune evasion.
  • Similarities and differences exist in variation strategies across fungi, protozoa, and bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • The MSG gene family is key to P. carinii's adaptability and persistence.
  • Comparative studies highlight conserved and divergent strategies in microbial antigenic variation.
  • Further research into P. carinii variation can inform therapeutic strategies.

More Related Videos

Biochemical and Structural Characterization of the Carbohydrate Transport Substrate-binding-protein SP009208:53

Biochemical and Structural Characterization of the Carbohydrate Transport Substrate-binding-protein SP0092

Published on: October 2, 2017

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters01:16

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters

The pharmacogenetics of drug transporters is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing interindividual variability in drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. These membrane-bound proteins regulate drugs' movement across cellular barriers by actively pumping them out (efflux) or facilitating their uptake (influx). Among the major transporter families, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters play particularly prominent roles. Genetic polymorphisms...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors01:28

Diversity of Antigen Receptors

Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...