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Everything about Variant surface glycoprotein

Variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) is a ~60kDa protein which densely packs the cell surface of protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Trypanosoma. This genus is notable for their cell surface proteins. They were first isolated from Trypanosoma brucei in 1975 by George Cross. VSG allows the trypanosomatid parasites to evade the mammalian host's immune system by extensive antigenic variation. They form a 12–15 nm surface coat. VSG dimers make up ~90% of all cell surface protein and ~10% of total cell protein. For this reason, these proteins are highly immunogenic and an immune response raised against a specific VSG coat will rapidly kill trypanosomes expressing this variant. However, with each cell division there is a possibility that the progeny will switch expression to change the VSG that is being expressed. VSG has no prescribed biochemical activity. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Variant surface glycoproteinA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: Evolution of the variant surface glycoprotein family in African trypanosomesInfluential work since 2022
  3. Read the landmark paper: Capturing the variant surface glycoprotein repertoire (the VSGnome) of Trypanosoma brucei Lister 427Cited 208 times
  4. Go sideways: George A. M. CrossA closely related topic
  5. Go sideways: Antigenic variationA closely related topic

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🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. In Trypanosoma brucei
  2. In other trypanosomes

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

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