A pivotal role for glycans at the interface between Trichinella spiralis and its host.

The nematode Trichinella spiralis demonstrates a simple but novel parasitic life-cycle, completing all of its development in intracellular habitats. This feature of the life-cycle has challenged investigators aiming to elucidate mechanisms of parasitism. Investigations of immunity showed a dominant influence of N-glycans in the responses to larval T. spiralis. It has become evident that novel glycans are positioned to play important roles in parasitism, as well as immunity, in infection with this nematode.