Antigenic analysis of a variant-specific component of Trypanosoma brucei brucei: localization on the surface coat with labelled specific antibodies

Abstract

The nature of antigens present on the surface coat of Trypanosoma brucei brucei (serotype AnTat–1) trypanosomes has been investigated by light and electron microscopy using indirect immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic labelling techniques. The use of a monospecific anticomponent V serum has shown that the variant-specific antigen, component V, is the major constituent of the surface coat. Antigens of heterologous serotype, of culture form trypanosomes, of host serum proteins or host red blood cells were not demonstrated on the surface coat.