Expression of the microfilarial sheath protein 2 (shp2) of the filarial parasites Litomosoides sigmodontis and Brugia malayi

The microfilirial sheaths of the filarial parasitesBrugia malayi, Brugia pahangi, andLitomosoides sigmodontisconsist of several parasite proteins, probably ranging between 7 and 10. The gene encoding sheath protein 2 (shp2), which is the object of this study is transcribed in embryos and in the uterine epithelium; at least inB. malayiit is translated in both tissues. Apparently, shp2 is synthesized as a monomer, exported by the respective cells, and integrated into the microfilarial sheath. In the sheath, it exists as a highly polymerized moleculer cross-linked by cysteine formation and other covalent bonds, presumably ϵ(γ-glutamyl)-lysine links.