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Surface antigen variability and variation in Giardia lamblia.
1Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Building 4, Room 126, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Giardia parasites are diverse, falling into distinct groups. They exhibit unique surface antigenic variation through variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs), which are cysteine-rich proteins.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Giardia parasites exhibit significant heterogeneity among isolates.
- Surface antigenic variation is a key characteristic of Giardia infections in various hosts.
- Variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) mediate this immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between Giardia's antigenic variation and its observed heterogeneity.
- To discuss the unique nature of VSPs and their role in parasite survival.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies utilizing complementary techniques to group Giardia isolates.
- Analysis of VSP sequences and characteristics.
- Examination of in vitro and in vivo data on antigenic variation.
Main Results:
- Giardia isolates are demonstrably heterogeneous, clustering into at least three distinct groups.
- Antigenic variation in Giardia involves a unique family of cysteine-rich proteins, VSPs.
- VSP sequences reveal conserved structural features within this protein family.
Conclusions:
- Antigenic variation is intrinsically linked to the heterogeneity observed in Giardia populations.
- Understanding VSPs is crucial for comprehending Giardia's adaptability and persistence.
- Further research into VSP structure-function relationships may reveal novel therapeutic targets.