Host-cell attachment by Trypanosoma cruzi: identification of an adhesion molecule

We have identified an 83 kDa surface glycoprotein in T. cruzi trypomastigotes which specifically binds to rat heart myoblasts. The binding of this molecule to myoblasts is inhibited by excess unlabeled material and saturable. Antibodies against the cell surface of insect trypomastigotes, blood trypomastigotes and produced during human infection recognize the 83 kDa glycoprotein adhesion molecule by immunoblotting, indicating that this molecule that mediates this critical step is immunogenic and is a candidate for vaccination against Chagas' disease.