PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM - VARIATIONS WITHIN THE C-TERMINAL REGION OF MEROZOITE SURFACE ANTIGEN-1

Sequence variations at the 3'-end of the Plasmodium falciparum merozoi te surface antigen-1 gene show that the C-terminus of the protein may not be as conserved as has been assumed in the past. We have therefore examined the sequences of the 3' terminal 2 kb, i.e., blocks 12-17 of four isolates, RO-33, RO-71, 3D7A, and FCH5. We discuss different mec hanisms of genetic exchange that could account for the observed variat ions. Furthermore the deduced amino acid sequences allow us to identif y allelic epitopes of three monoclonal antibodies. Finally, our data c omplete the sequence of two additional independent alleles of this gen e (RO-33 and RO-71). (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.