Identification and Functional Analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi Genes That Encode Proteins of the Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Biosynthetic Pathway

Background Trypanosoma cruziis a protistparasite that causes Chagas disease. Several proteins that are essential for parasite virulence and involved in host immune responses are anchoredto the membrane through glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) molecules. In addition, T. cruzi GPI anchorshave immunostimulatory activities, including the ability to stimulate the synthesis of cytokines by innate immune cells. Therefore, T. cruzi genes related to GPI anchorbiosynthesis constitute potential new targets for the development of better therapies against Chagas disease.