Conserved peptide sequences bind to actin and enolase on the surface ofPlasmodium bergheiookinetes

Abstract

SUMMARYThe description ofPlasmodiumookinete surface proteins and their participation in the complex process of mosquito midgut invasion is still incomplete. In this study, using phage display, a consensus peptide sequence (PWWP) was identified in phages that bound to thePlasmodium bergheiookinete surface and, in selected phages, bound to actin and enolase in overlay assays with ookinete protein extracts. Actin was localized on the surface of fresh live ookinetes by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy using specific antibodies. The overall results indicated that enolase and actin can be located on the surface of ookinetes, and suggest that they could participate inPlasmodiuminvasion of the mosquito midgut.