Reactivity of MEST-1 (Antigalactofuranose) with Trypanosoma cruzi Glycosylinositol Phosphorylceramides (GIPCs): Immunolocalization of GIPCs in Acidic Vesicles of Epimastigotes

Using confocal microscopy, MEST-1-positive immunofluorescence was observed within various Trypanosoma cruzi forms, except in cell-derived trypomastigotes. Glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides were identified by thin-layer chromatography immunostaining as the antigens recognized by MEST-1 in these parasites. In epimastigotes, labeling of MEST-1 coincided with acidic vesicles, indicating an internal localization of these glycoconjugates.