Viral Antigens
Product List
1F8 Chagas
1F8 Chagas Recombinant
Chimeric Chagas
Chimeric Chagas Multiantigen Recombinant
Giardia lamblia
Giardia Intestinalis Trophozoite Recombinant
The E.Coli derived recombinant Giardia intestinalis protein amino acids 21-290. Giardia lamblia protein is fused to 6xHis tag at C-terminal and purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the feces of infected triatomine bugs, commonly known as "kissing bugs" . The disease is classified into two phases: acute and chronic. The acute phase is often asymptomatic or presents mild symptoms, while the chronic phase can lead to severe cardiac and digestive complications .
Key Biological Properties: Trypanosoma cruzi is an obligate intracellular parasite that undergoes several morphological changes during its life cycle, including trypomastigotes, epimastigotes, and amastigotes .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: The parasite primarily infects muscle and nerve cells, particularly in the heart and digestive tract . It can also be found in the bloodstream during the acute phase of infection .
Primary Biological Functions: The primary function of T. cruzi is to invade host cells, replicate, and spread to other tissues.
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: The parasite triggers a robust immune response, including the activation of phagocytes and the production of cytokines . However, it can evade the immune system through various mechanisms, such as antigenic variation and suppression of host immune responses .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: T. cruzi interacts with host cells through surface molecules that facilitate adhesion and invasion .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: The parasite binds to host cell receptors, triggering signaling pathways that promote its entry and survival within the host cell . Once inside, it transforms into amastigotes, which replicate and eventually burst the host cell, releasing new trypomastigotes into the bloodstream .
Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: The expression of T. cruzi genes is regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: The parasite employs various strategies to modulate gene expression, including the use of specific transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins . Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, also play a crucial role in regulating the activity of parasite proteins .
Biomedical Research: T. cruzi serves as a model organism for studying host-pathogen interactions and immune evasion mechanisms .
Diagnostic Tools: Molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are used to detect T. cruzi DNA in blood samples . Serological tests are also employed to identify antibodies against the parasite .
Therapeutic Strategies: Current treatments for Chagas disease include antiparasitic drugs like benznidazole and nifurtimox . Research is ongoing to develop new therapies and vaccines .
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: T. cruzi undergoes a complex life cycle involving both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts . In the triatomine bug, the parasite transforms from trypomastigotes to epimastigotes and then to infective metacyclic trypomastigotes . In the human host, the parasite invades cells, replicates as amastigotes, and spreads through the bloodstream as trypomastigotes . The parasite’s ability to adapt to different environments and evade the host immune system is crucial for its survival and propagation .
