Fig. 6.

Overexpression of TVAG_244130 and TVAG_166850 enhances adherence of T. vaginalis to ectocervical cells. Exogenous expression of an N-terminal HA-tagged TVAG_244130 or TVAG_166850 protein in the less adherent T1 strain was analyzed by introducing the gene on an episome under the control of a strong promoter. Attachment of parasites expressing the protein to VECs was assessed and compared with parasites transfected with empty plasmid (EpNEO). Data are expressed as -fold increase compared with empty plasmid control ± the standard deviation of the mean. A representative experiment of four independent experiments is shown.