Related Experiment Videos

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.

Related Concept Videos