1998 Volume 10 Issue 56 Pages 439-453
Parasitic protozoans including the members of trypanosomatidae family are the cause of diseases in humans and livestock. A majority of the glycoproteins present on plasma membrane of these parasites are attached by glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor. In addition, plasma membrane of some of the protozoans is decorated with free GPIs which are not attached to proteins. The structure and biosynthesis of GPIs in protozoans as compared to higher eukaryotes and their utility as targets for anti-protozoan chemotherapy is discussed. The crucial role of GPIs and GPI-attached glycoproteins in protozoan parasites infectivity and survival is the focus of this review.
