The targets of the lytic antibody response against Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes, but not epimastigotes, are normally resi stant to the lytic effects of complement from vertebrate hosts susceptible to infection. This resistance facilitates parasite survival and infectivity . During the course of chronic infections, however, the vertebrate hosts pr oduce antibodies that render the trypomastigotes sensitive to lysis, primar ily via the alternative complement cascade and amplified by the classical p athway. Here, Greice Krautz, Jessica Kissinger and Antoniana Krettli summar ize research on lytic antibodies, and on their respective target(s) on the T. cruzi surface. These targets are useful in tests aimed at the diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease for control of cure after specific treatment and for vaccine development.