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varDB: a database of antigenic variant sequences--current status and future prospects.
Diego Diez1, Nelson Hayes, Nicolas Joannin
1Bioinformatics Center, Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan.
Acta Tropica
|June 23, 2009
Summary
Antigenic variation helps pathogens like the malaria parasite evade host immunity. The varDB project provides a cross-species database to better understand these immune evasion strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Pathogenic organisms frequently use antigenic variation to evade host immune responses.
- Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite, exemplifies this survival strategy.
- Existing research often lacks cross-species comparative data on antigenic variation mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the varDB project, a resource for studying antigenic variation.
- To provide a framework for comparative analyses of antigenic variation within and across species.
- To enhance the utility of varDB for the research community.
Main Methods:
- The varDB project aggregates and organizes data on antigenic variation.
- The database supports comparative studies across multiple species and gene families.
- Information is structured to facilitate research on immune evasion strategies.
Main Results:
- The current varDB version includes data from 27 species and 19 diseases.
- It encompasses over 67,000 sequences across 42 gene families.
- The project serves as a foundational resource for studying pathogen immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- varDB is a growing resource for understanding antigenic variation.
- Comparative studies facilitated by varDB can deepen insights into pathogen survival.
- Community input is crucial for the continued development and utility of varDB.
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