Distribution and Characterization of Antigens Found in Subcellular Fractions of African Trypanosomes. Annual Report August 1983 - August 1984

摘要

An investigations of the distribution of antigen in the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma rhodesiense, has identified two principal antigenic sites, the surface and flaggellar pocket membranes (FPM). The latter, which was the principal subject of this study, was revealed to possess 2-3 principal glycoprotein antigens which are catinately membrane associated, exhibit no cross reaction with variable surface antigen (VSA) and are able to confer protection in mice against challenge infections using a limited T. rhodesiense scrodeme. The two principal FPM antigen have Mr 60-65x1000, are selectively released by both phospholipase A2 and sphingomyelinase and have been deduced to be oriented toward the lumen of the flagellar pocket and then accesible to antibody. During the course of this study ancillary information relating to the subcellular organization of T. rhodesiense was obtained. This includes details of the disposition of enzymes within the glycosome,, particularly the membrane association of adenylalle kinase and it's strict and absolute requirement for phosphatidyl choline. In a search for surface membrane marker enzymes, an aid to cell fractionation procedures, a high affinity Calcium (2+) ATPase was discovered which is unusual in having no Magnesium (2+) requirement. In addition a tartrateinsensitive, heat stable acid phosphatan was found which showed preferencial though not exclusive enrichment in surface membrane.