Stage specific differences in steady state levels of mRNA encoding the major surface glycoprotein of Brugia pahangi

The glycoprotein, gp30, is the major soluble cuticular antigen of the adult lymphatic fiarial worm Brugia pahangi (Maizels et al., 1983, Devaney, 1988). Cookson et al., 1992 suggested that gp30 may function as an antioxidant enzyme protecting B. pahangi from the vertebrate host defence mechanism. In this communication we report that the gp30 transcript is present in each of the life cycle stages, including mosquito derived L3's, and that there is a 50 fold increase in the transcription of gp30 in young adults (28 days post infection) compared to mature adults. These findings suggest that gp30 performs a general function relevant throughout the B. pahangi life cycle and in particular to young adults.