Trypanosoma evansi is a parasitic protozoan that belongs to the Trypanosoma genus, which causes animal and human trypanosomiasis. Trypanosoma evansi is responsible for a disease known as surra or mal de caderas in animals, which is prevalent in many countries around the world, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America. The disease is a significant constraint to animal production and has a significant impact on the socioeconomic well-being of affected communities. In this article, we will delve into the Variable Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) in Trypanosoma evansi and explore its importance in the pathology of the parasite.

The Importance of Variable Surface Glycoprotein:

The VSG is a critical component of the surface coat of Trypanosoma evansi and other trypanosome species. The VSG is expressed by the parasite in a monoallelic fashion, meaning that only one gene is transcribed and translated at any given time. The VSG plays a crucial role in immune evasion by preventing the recognition of the parasite by the host’s immune system. The VSG undergoes antigenic variation, meaning that the expression of different VSG genes leads to the generation of antigenically distinct parasite populations. This allows the parasite to evade the host’s immune system continuously.

The VSG is also essential for the survival of the parasite within the host. The VSG forms a dense, protective coat that covers the entire surface of the parasite. This dense layer of VSG molecules prevents complement-mediated lysis, a process by which host complement proteins bind to the surface of the parasite and trigger a cascade of reactions that lead to the destruction of the parasite. The VSG also plays a role in nutrient uptake by the parasite by forming a channel for the transport of nutrients across the surface coat.

The Pathology of Trypanosoma evansi:

Trypanosoma evansi causes a range of pathological effects in the host, including anemia, weight loss, and reduced productivity. The parasite can also cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurological symptoms, such as depression, incoordination, and paralysis. Trypanosoma evansi is primarily transmitted by the mechanical transfer of infected blood by biting insects, such as tabanids and stable flies.

Trypanosoma evansi is a significant threat to animal health and welfare in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. The VSG is a critical component of the surface coat of the parasite and plays a crucial role in immune evasion and parasite survival. The antigenic variation of the VSG allows the parasite to continuously evade the host’s immune system, contributing to the chronic nature of the disease. Understanding the biology of Trypanosoma evansi and the role of the VSG in the pathology of the parasite is essential for the development of effective control strategies and treatments for this devastating disease.

Trypanosoma evansi cDNA and recombinant antigens can be used in a variety of applications. These include diagnostic tests, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for the detection of T. evansi in samples; vaccine development; and antibody-based therapies for T. evansi infection. cDNA and recombinant antigens can also be used in drug target identification, as well as in the development of new drugs to treat T. evansi infection.

The use of recombinant proteins/cDNA in academic research and therapeutic applications has skyrocketed. However, in heterologous expression systems, successful recombinant protein expression is dependent on a variety of factors, including codon preference, RNA secondary structure, and GC content. When compared to pre-optimization, more and more experimental results demonstrated that the expression level was dramatically increased, ranging from two to hundred times depending on the gene. Bioclone has created a proprietary technology platform that has resulted in the creation of over 6,000 artificially synthesized codon-optimized cDNA clones (cloned in E. coli expression Vector), which are ready for production of the recombinant proteins.