Sialidases play a key role in infection and anaemia in Trypanosoma congolense animal trypanosomiasis

Animal African trypanosomiasis is a major constraint to livestock productivity and has an important impact on millions of people in developing African countries. This parasitic disease, caused mainly by Trypanosoma congolense, results in severe anaemia leading to animal death. In order to characterize potential targets for an anti-disease vaccine, we investigated a multigenic trans-sialidase family (TcoTS) in T. congolense. Sialidase and trans-sialidase activities were quantified for the first time, as well as the tightly regulated TcoTS expression pattern throughout the life cycle. Active enzymes were expressed in bloodstream form parasites and released into the blood during infection. Using genetic tools, we demonstrated a significant correlation between TcoTS silencing and impairment of virulence during experimental infection with T. congolense. Reduced TcoTS expression affected infectivity, parasitaemia and pathogenesis development. Immunization-challenge experiments using recombinant TcoTS highlighted their potential protective use in an anti-disease vaccine.