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The genome sequencing of two B. divergens strains, plus 4 strains of B. bigemina and one supplementary strain of B. bovis, both cattle parasites from tropical areas, allows an analysis of the evolution of the VESA antigens localized on the surface of infected erythrocytes. Genes coding these antigens belong to two multigene families (ves1 and ves2), with more than 350 genes representing 11% of B. divergens specific genes. These antigens are vital for the parasite, playing a role in the infected red blood cell surface remodelling, and as an escape mechanism to avoid the host immune response. Using these antigens the parasite can remain sequestered in the small blood capillaries, avoiding the parasite destruction in the spleen.
This formidable amount of genomic data is being published soon in the journal Nucleic Acids Research and is the result for the VIP group of a fruitful collaboration with a Scottish group in the Medecine Veterinary School of the University of Glasgow. The release of these genomic data for this parasitic genus has been long expected.