African trypanosome control in the insect vector and mammalian host

Alain Beschin, Jakke Van Den Abbeele, Patrick De Baetselier, Etienne Pays

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    Abstract

    The life cycle of African trypanosomes involves adaptations to the defense mechanisms of two completely different hosts, the insect vector Glossina and the mammalian host. This interplay ultimately determines host resistance and/or tolerance to parasite infection. In the tsetse fly, the immune deficiency (IMD)-regulated pathway, the scavenger receptor peptidoglycan-recognition protein LB (PGRP-LB), and the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated response modulate the insect's capacity to transmit the parasite. In experimental mice, control of parasite burden and tissue pathogenicity relies on timely regulated interactions between myeloid cells exhibiting distinct activation states (M1 versus M2 type). Tsetse fly saliva and various trypanosome components including adenylate cyclases, DNA, a kinesin heavy chain, and variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) interfere with resistance and tolerance to infection.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalTrends In Parasitology
    Volume30
    Issue number11
    Pages (from-to)538-547
    ISSN1471-4922
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

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