Fig. 4.

T. vaginalis release vesicles larger than regular MVs. a Cells expressing C-terminal HA-tagged versions of TvTSP8, TvTSP3, and TvTSP1 protein were stained for immunofluorescence microscopy using a mouse anti-HA antibody. The nucleus (blue) was also stained with 4´,6´-diamidino-2-phenylindole. Representative images of each transfected parasites releasing plasma membrane vesicles larger than 1 µm (LVs) (magnification panels) are shown. b Viability of EpNeo (empty vector), TvTSP1-HA, TvTSP3-HA, and TvTSP8-HA-transfected parasites as well as wild-type B7RC2 parasites was analyzed by flow cytometry using propidium iodide. Data are expressed as mean values ± standard deviation (SD) of three independent experiments with three replicates. ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s post hoc test was used to determine significant differences. ns: non-significant difference. c Representative SEM micrographs of wild-type Jt parasites also evidence the release of LVs by T. vaginalis. Arrow indicates an LV being release. AF: anterior flagella; Ax: axostyle