M. Kabiri et D. Steverding, Trypanosoma evansi: Demonstration of a transferrin receptor derived from expression site-associated genes 6 and 7, J PARASITOL, 87(5), 2001, pp. 1189-1191
In Trypanosoma brucei, uptake of host transferrin is mediated by a heterodi
meric, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored receptor derived from the 2 ex
pression site-associated genes 6 and 7 (ESAG6 and ESAG7). By using specific
antibodies, it is shown here that T. evansi, a trypanosome species transmi
tted mechanically by biting flies, also expresses a transferrin receptor co
mposed of ESAG6 and ESAG7. The cellular uptake of transferrin in T. evansi
is completely inhibited with anti-T. brucei (ESAG6/7 heterodimer) antibodie
s. The demonstration of a functional ESAG6/7 transferrin receptor in T. eva
nsi supports further its close relationship to T. brucei.