IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF THE FATTY-ACID-BINDING PROTEIN SJ-FABPC WITHIN ADULT SCHISTOSOMA-JAPONICUM

This paper describes the first localization study of the 14.7 kDa fatt y acid-binding protein in Schistosoma japonicum (Sj-FABPc) using trans mission electron microscopy. A polyclonal antibody raised against reco mbinant Sj-FABPc was used in combination with a colloidal gold marker to determine the distribution of the protein within adult parasites. S j-FABPc was localized within lipid droplets below the subtegumental re gion of the male parasite. Additionally, Sj-FABPc was present in the v itelline droplets of the vitelline glands of female parasites. There w ere no detectable levels of Sj-FABPc on the surface or within the tegu ment of male or female parasites. Possible functions of Sj-FABPc withi n S. japonicum and the relevance of these immunolocalization findings in light of the recent reports that the homologue Sm-FABPc is an impor tant anti-S. mansoni vaccine target molecule are also discussed.