Sequence analysis of the Rhop-3 gene of Plasmodium yoelii

The 110 kDn/Rhop-3 rhoptry protein of Plasmodium falciparum is non-covalent ly associated with two other proteins, the 140 kDa Rhop-1 and the 130 kDa R hop-2. cDNAs encoding Rhop-3 from Plasmodium yoelii were isolated using rho ptry-specific antisera from Plasmodium falciparum. P. yoelii, and Plasmodiu m chabaudi. The cDNAs encoded peptides with partial homology to the C-termi nal region (residues 541-861) of P. falciparum Rhop-3. Core regions of homo logy to the P. falciparum gene will be useful in determining the biological role of Rhop-3 and its potential as a vaccine candidate for malaria.