The Trypanosoma cruzi Surface, a Nanoscale Patchwork Quilt

Abstract

The Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigote membrane provides a major protective role against mammalian host-derived defense mechanisms while allowing the parasite to interact with different cell types and trigger pathogenesis. This surface has been historically appreciated as a rather unstructured ‘coat’, mainly consisting of a continuous layer of glycolipids and heavily O-glycosylated mucins, occasionally intercalated with different developmentally regulated molecules displaying adhesive and/or enzymatic properties. Recent findings, however, indicate that the trypomastigote membrane is made up of multiple, densely packed and discrete 10–150 nm lipid-driven domains bearing different protein composition; hence resembling a highly organized ‘patchwork quilt’ design. Here, we discuss different aspects underlying the biogenesis, assembly, and dynamics of this cutting-edge fashion outfit, as well as its functional implications.