IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF THE GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASES, GST-26 AND GST-28, WITHIN ADULT SCHISTOSOMA-JAPONICUM

This paper describes the first ultrastructural immunolocalisation stud y of the 26-kDa and 28-kDa glutathione S-transferases within adult Sch istosoma japonicum (GST-26 and GST-28). Polyclonal antibodies raised a gainst GST-28 (in mice) and against GST-26 tin rabbits) were used to e xamine the distribution of the proteins within adult parasites. Both p roteins were localised within the parenchymal region of the male paras ite. Additionally, both proteins were present within parenchymal cells located between the vitelline glands of female parasites. There were no detectable levels of GST-26 or GST-28 on the surface or within the tegument matrix of either the male or female worms. Possible functions for GST-26 and GST-28 within S, japonicum and their significance as v accine target molecules are addressed. ( (C) 1998 Australian Society f or Parasitology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.