Immuno-EM of EDVs with associated PfEMP1. EqtII-permeabilized 3D7 strain parasites (A-C) and PfEMP1B-GFP transfectants (ITK strain) (D, E) were labeled with antibodies recognizing the ATS (A-C) or GFP (D, E) and prepared for EM (A-C) or tomography (D, E). Arrows indicate gold particles. The RBC membrane is rendered in red, vesicle-like structures (VLS) in blue, electron-dense vesicles) EDV in white and a gold particle in yellow. A region that may represent an RBC cytoskeleton extension is indicated with aqua arrows. Scale bar = 100 nm. In some cases the EDVs appear to be in the process of fusing with the RBC membrane (B, C) or in close association with extensions of the RBC membrane (E, aqua arrow).
McMillan PJ, Millet C, Batinovic S, Maiorca M, Hanssen E, Kenny S, Muhle RA, Melcher M, Fidock DA, Smith JD, Dixon MW, Tilley L. Spatial and temporal mapping of the PfEMP1 export pathway in Plasmodium falciparum. Cell Microbiol. 2013 15(8):1401-18