Abstract
The remarkable ability of many parasites to evade host immunity is the key to their success and pervasiveness. The immune evasion is directly linked to the silencing of the members of extended families of genes that encode for major parasite antigens. At any time only one of these genes is active. Infrequent switches to other members of the gene family help the parasites elude the immune system and cause prolonged maladies. For most pathogens, the detailed mechanisms of gene silencing and switching are poorly understood. On the other hand, studies in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have revealed similar mechanisms of gene repression and switching and have provided significant insights into the molecular basis of these phenomena. This information is becoming increasingly relevant to the genetics of the parasites. Here we summarize recent advances in parasite epigenetics and emphasize the similarities between S. cerevisiae and pathogens such as Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Candida, and Pneumocystis. We also outline current challenges in the control and the treatment of the diseases caused by these parasites and link them to epigenetics and the wealth of knowledge acquired from budding yeast.
Highlights
The remarkable ability of many parasites to evade host immunity is the key to their success and pervasiveness
These structures are refractory to transcription and are epigenetically transmitted to daughter cells
Antigenic variation in Pneumocystis is produced by about 160 major surface glycoprotein (MSG) genes
Summary
Parasites like Plasmodium and Trypanosoma cause devastating maladies in millions of people and are a leading cause of death in many developing countries. Others such as Pneumocystis could be deadly opportunistic agents. (1) All but one of a family of hypothetical varying genes (VG1 to VGN) are maintained in a silenced state. There is a high probability that the currently active gene (VG1) will be reinstated as the active locus Switches to another gene are possible (VGN). KY conceived and drafted the review and wrote the final version of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
