A malaria protein exported into a new compartment within the host erythrocyte.

Abstract
A Plasmodium falciparum protein which is exported into a new compartment in the host erythrocyte has been located. This protein, exp‐1, has a variable region recognized by a monoclonal antibody. Naturally occurring mutants of this region have been characterized. All mutants studied so far have the same A‐‐‐‐G transition abolishing the target for the antibody. The exp‐1 gene has a complex structure containing two introns. It is highly conserved in five independent, genetically defined parasite lines, suggesting that exp‐1 has an important function. We discuss the possible role of exp‐1 in P. falciparum infections.