Smears of trophozoite and gametocyte IE were analyzed for RIFIN localization by staining with rat anti-ARIF40 (Rif 40 MAL7P1.217) and mouse anti-BRIFDNC antisera (green) (PFI0050c). Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). A type RIFINs were visualized with anti-ARIF40, while B-type RIFINs were detected with anti-BRIFDNC. A-type RIFINs were exported to the host cell in asexual parasites and associated with the Maurer’s clefts (MC), while B-type RIFINs were located mainly intra-parasitically.

Immunofluorescence colocalization in stage III gametocytes. Methanol fixed smears of stage III gametocytes were incubated with antibodies against RIFIN and marker proteins. A: rat anti-ARIF40 antibodies (green) and rabbit anti-Pfg27 (cytosol; PF14_0067), mouse anti-CCP1 (PF14_0723), mouse anti-STEVOR or mouse anti-SBP1 (red) (PFE0065w). A-type RIFIN related fluorescence was largely concentrated in a ‘‘string of pearls’’ pattern at the erythrocyte membrane. B-type RIFIN specific staining with anti-BRIFDNC overlapped largely with Pfg27

Petter M, Bonow I, Klinkert MQ. Diverse expression patterns of subgroups of the rif multigene family during Plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis. PLoS ONE. 2008;3(11):e3779.