The role of tandem repeat antigens in immune escape

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Tandem repeat (TR) proteins of protozoan parasites have been reported as strong B cell antigens, whereas the mechanisms for the antigenicity or the biological meaning of the antigenic TR proteins remain unknown. In this study, we revealed through genome analyses of Kinetoplastida parasites that the presence of huge TR genes is related to the pathogenesis to mammals. Besides, we found a distinct antibody production pattern to TR antigens compared to non-TR antigens, indicating the unique mechanism for TR antigens to be recognized by B cells. Furthermore, we identified BAFF as a candidate molecule related to excessive activation of humoral responses during leishmaniasis. Taken together, these findings will be a great step towards understanding immune escape mechanisms of protozoan parasites by using TR antigens.