Modelling trypanosome chronicity: VSG dynasties and parasite density

A new mathematical model developed by Lythgoe et al. shows that the semi-predictable order of trypanosome antigenic variation can be generated by two parasite-intrinsic factors. The first is the different probabilities of antigen-gene activation that result from the different molecular mechanisms by which the genes become expressed. The second is the density-dependent differentiation of slender to stumpy cells. The study has important implications for understanding the dynamics of antigenic variation and for modelling the consequences of therapeutic strategies directed against trypanosomes.