IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF SCHISTOSOME PROTEINS

This review discusses some of the recent advances in the characterizat ion of potential vaccine molecules against Schistosoma japonicum, util izing microscopy and immunocytochemistry methods. Microscopy has demon strated the stage-specific expression of the muscle protein paramyosin onto the parasite surface, an important consideration as a vaccine ta rget. Other potential vaccine component proteins examined include glut athione S-transferase (GST) and fatty acid binding protein (FABP); alt hough not associated with the adult parasite surface, their localizati on to internal structures such as lipid droplets and regions of the fe male reproductive system have presided valuable insights into the biol ogy of the parasite. Localization of the transport protein SGTP (schis tosome glucose transporter protein) has demonstrated that the protein is more prevalent in the juvenile stages of the parasite development. This further highlights the diversity of the parasite life cycle. Usin g both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the loca lization of a number of schistosome proteins has demonstrated the func tions and significance of these proteins within the parasite. Molecula r localization studies are crucial in understanding how and when a Vac cine may work against the organism and may provide insights into which can be used in the design of future vaccines. Microsc. Res. Tech. 42: 176-185, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.