Related Experiment Videos
Variant-specific surface protein switching in Giardia lamblia.
T E Nash1, H T Luján, M R Mowatt
1Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. tnash@niaid.nih.gov
Infection and Immunity
|February 17, 2001
Summary
Giardia lamblia switches surface antigens by expressing two variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) simultaneously. This dual expression lasts for 13 hours before disappearing, similar to antigenic variation in other parasites.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite responsible for giardiasis.
- Surface antigen switching is a common mechanism used by parasites to evade the host immune system.
- Variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) are key components in the antigenic variation process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of surface antigen switching in Giardia lamblia.
- To determine the duration and pattern of VSP expression on the parasite surface.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monoclonal antibodies specific to two distinct VSPs.
- Analyzed the surface expression of VSPs on single Giardia lamblia trophozoites over time.
Main Results:
- Two VSPs were detected co-expressed on the surface of individual trophozoites.
- This dual VSP expression was observed to persist for a period of 13 hours.
- The dual expression pattern subsequently disappeared by 36 hours post-observation.
Conclusions:
- Giardia lamblia exhibits a defined period of dual VSP expression during its antigenic variation cycle.
- The observed pattern of VSP switching is consistent with mechanisms employed by other parasitic organisms.
- Understanding this process is crucial for developing effective control strategies against Giardia infections.