Mammalian cell invasion by closely related Trypanosoma species T. dionisii and T. cruzi

► Closely related Trypanosoma dionisii and Trypanosoma cruzi express distinct surface molecules. ► Distinct signaling cascades are activated during cell invasion by the two species. ► Cell invasion by T. dionisii and T. cruzi increases under nutritional stress. ► The energy required for T. dionisii internalization is not provided by l-proline.