Modulation of the immunogenicity of the Trypanosoma congolense cysteine protease, congopain, through complexation with alpha(2)-macroglobulin.

The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma congolense is the main causative agent of livestock trypanosomosis. Congopain, the major lysosomal cysteine proteinase of T. congolense, contributes to disease pathogenesis, and antibody-mediated inhibition of this enzyme may contribute to mechanisms of trypanotolerance.