Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase antigens: immunodominance and diagnostic applications

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Traditional antigens for serological diagnosis include several members of the trans-sialidase (TS) protein superfamily, which have roles in host-parasite interactions and elicit strong B cell responses. T. cruzi expresses a large TS repertoire, comprising over 3200 polymorphic genes, organized into eight subfamilies based on sequence motifs and functional characteristics. These proteins are known to facilitate infection and immune evasion. Multiple TS antigens from different subfamilies elicit strong immune responses, with a growing list from recent studies. Current diagnostic assays still rely on antigens discovered decades ago. This review article aims to cover the immunodominance of the TS protein superfamily and their use as antigens for the serological diagnosis of Chagas disease.