An octadecameric O-glucosyltransferase generates diversity in antibody epitopes on variant surface antigens in African trypanosomes
Qi Zhong, Joseph D. Barritt, Carla G. Carbajo, Lilian Magnus, Olivia Wright-Paramio, Laura Gordon, Wuxi Song, Emmanuel Nji, Anastasia Gkeka, Eleftheria Papamanoglou, Sven A Vida, Michael A. J. Ferguson, Sarah L. Rouse, Erhard Hohenester, Calvin Tiengwe
This study identifies ESAG3 as an O-glucosyltransferase that modifies VSG3 to alter antibody epitopes and influence infection outcomes in African trypanosomes.
bioRxiv · Sep 15, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology