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Localization of Variable Antigens in the Surface Coat of Trypanosoma brucei using Ferritin Conjugated Antibody

Nature volume 224, pages 1125–1126 (1969)Cite this article

Abstract

AGGLUTINATION reactions have shown that in Trypanosoma brucei infections, each relapse population of trypanosomes in the blood has a different antigenic character from its predecessor. Trypanosomes in the bloodstream are believed to enhance their immunogenic properties by shedding their variable antigens into the host's blood as “exoantigen”1–3. In the past these variable exoantigens have been interpreted as metabolic by-products, possibly enzymes (isozymes), secreted by the trypanosomes and adhering to them4,5. More recently a structural view of the origin of exoantigen has been advanced as a result of studies on changes in the trypanosome surface during the course of its life cycle6.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Experimental Protozoology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow,

    K. VICKERMAN

  2. Applied Protozoology Unit, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh,

    A. G. LUCKINS

Authors
  1. K. VICKERMAN
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  2. A. G. LUCKINS
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VICKERMAN, K., LUCKINS, A. Localization of Variable Antigens in the Surface Coat of Trypanosoma brucei using Ferritin Conjugated Antibody. Nature 224, 1125–1126 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/2241125a0

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