FIG 3.

PfMSP8 is expressed during P. falciparum gametocyte development but is absent on the surface of activated macrogametes. (A) Detection of PfMSP8 expression in fixed and permeabilized P. falciparum gametocytes (stages II to V) by an immunofluorescence assay with rabbit anti-rPfMSP8 IgG or control IgG followed by FITC-conjugated secondary antibodies. DAPI was used to stain parasite DNA. (B) Analysis of PfMSP8 expression on activated, live P. falciparum macrogametes by an immunofluorescence assay, as described above, with rabbit anti-rPfMSP8 IgG. Samples were costained with MAb 4B7, which is specific for Pfs25 (MAb 4B7), followed by TRITC-conjugated secondary IgG. DIC, differential interference contrast.