Down-modulation of VAMP3 and VAMP8 by <i>L</i>. <i>mexicana</i>.

<p>BMM were infected with serum-opsonized stationary phase <i>L</i>. <i>mexicana</i> (WT and <i>Δcpb</i>) promastigotes for 2 h. VAMP3 (<b>A</b>) and VAMP8 (<b>B</b>) levels (green) were then visualized by confocal microscopy. Macrophage and parasite nuclei are shown in blue (DAPI). Internalized parasites are denoted by white arrowheads. In <b>(C)</b>, VAMP3 and VAMP8 levels in total cell extracts were assessed by Western blot analysis. Each immunofluorescence assay was done on 300 phagosomes on triplicate coverslips in two independent experiments and Western blot analyses were performed twice in three independent experiments. VAMP3 and VAMP8/β-actin ratios were determined by densitometry. Original magnification X63.