Altered expression of class I major histocompatibility antigens on bovine cells infected with the protozoan parasite Theileria annulata.

Theileria annulata infection is controlled by MHC class I restricted cytotoxic T cell killing of infected cells. The long term persistence of parasite suggests that it employs a mechanism to avoid immune surveillance. In this paper we describe the modification of BoLA class I antigens on the surface of Theileria annulata transformed lymphoblastoid cells. The extent of modification is different between individuals varying from extensive to undetectable.