Trypanosoma cruzi glycoprotein gp72 (gp72)

Glycoprotein gp72 is a low-abundance, highly glycosylated surface protein found on *Trypanosoma cruzi*, predominantly in the epimastigote form within the insect vector. It contains one of the most complex eukaryotic phosphosaccharide structures, with a carbohydrate composition of about 50% by weight. The glycan chains are linked via phosphodiester bonds to threonine and serine residues. gp72 is localized to the flagellar adhesion zone, where it is essential for flagellar attachment and infectivity. It is immunogenic and carries the WIC29.26 epitope. Ligation with its cognate antibody inhibits differentiation, suggesting its role as a developmental and functional surface marker. Its expression is stage-specific and important for parasite virulence. While it is vital for the parasite's biology, there are currently no therapeutic agents directly targeting gp72, and its potential as a therapeutic target remains under study[1][2][4][5].

Other names

GP72 antigenGp7272 kDa glycoprotein