Glycobiology of Trypanosoma cruzi

MUCHNIK DE LEDERKREMER, R; AGUSTI, ROSALÍA

Advances in Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biochemistry

Elsevier

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2009; p. 311 - 366

The glycobiology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas´ disease, has contributed significantly to the identification of target enzymes responsible for the construction of unique cell-surface molecules. The authors discuss the structure of glycoinositolphospholipids, both free and as protein anchors in T. cruzi. The presence is emphasized of structural motifs that are absent in mammals. These include galactofuranose, aminoethylphosphonic acid, and inositolphosphoceramide. The mucins and the trans-sialidase (TcTS), both of which are involved in the infection process, are reviewed in detail in this chapter. The chemical synthesis of the oligosaccharides containing Galf is presented, as well as the use of the TcTS for synthetic purposes.