Dual life IFA staining of 5A-merozoite with anti-S2 (green) and anti-MSP1.19 (red) showing constant expression and location of STEVOR on the merozoite surface during the invasion process (free merozoite, attachment, reorientation, and junction). Fixed IFA confirming STEVOR location on the merozoite surface in cytochalasin D-junction arrested 5A merozoites (junction). The individual stains, merged images, and bright field (BF) are shown. The dotted white lines delineate the RBC membrane. Clear colocalization of STEVOR with MSP1 on live merozoite surface consistent with antibody recognition of STEVOR on the merozoite surface interfering with invasion. STEVOR consistently colocalized with MSP1 at the surface of the merozoite at different steps of the invasion process, and no evidence was obtained indicating that STEVOR is involved in the tight junction formation, as illustrated by STEVOR expression on the merozoite surface of cytochalasin-D-junction-arrested merozoites.

(C) Live IFA showing correct surface trafficking of the GFP fusion protein using anti-S1 antibody. From left to right are shown bright field (BF), nuclei staining (DAPI), GFP, anti-S1 staining, and merged images

Niang M, Bei AK, Madnani KG, Pelly S, Dankwa S, Kanjee U, Gunalan K, Amaladoss A, Yeo KP, Bob NS, Malleret B, Duraisingh MT, Preiser PR. STEVOR Is a Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Binding Protein that Mediates Merozoite Invasion and Rosetting. Cell Host Microbe. 2014 16(1):81-93. PMID: