Antibody clearance and trans-sialylation as virulence factors in African trypanosomiasis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Markus Engstler
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2013 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 234548623

Trypanosomes are a major threat to human welfare in sub-saharan Africa. Transmitted by the infamous tsetse fly, they infect a broad range of animals, including humans and cattle. We have shown that survival of the parasite in the host is aided by incessant flagellar motility and rapid endocytosis. Both processes combined remove host antibodies from the trypanosome cell surface. We have succeeded in detailing, on the single cell level and with millisecond accuracy, the mode of trypanosome swimming in vitro and in the diverse and crowded environments of the host. We show that different trypanosome species have adapted to distinct infection niches, such as the circulation or tissue spaces. They have evolved a special cellular waveform that allows perfect annidation. Trypanosoma congolense is an exception as it is a bad swimmer. This species has evolved a different survival strategy: it uses erythrocyte attachment and trans-sialylation to escape immune destruction. We will decipher the molecular and biomechanical mechanisms behind T. congolense interaction with host cells. Finally, we will challenge our antibody clearance and cellular waveform hypotheses using a cold-blooded host, the Nile monitor lizard.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Kenya
• Co-Investigators: Dr. Susanne Fenz; Dr. Nicola G. Jones; Dr. Francis McOdimba, Ph.D.
• International Co-Applicant: Dr. Daniel Masiga, Ph.D.