This family contains sexual stage s48/45 antigens from Plasmodium (approximately 450 residues long). These are surface proteins expressed by Plasmodium male and female gametes that have been shown to play a conserved and important role in fertilisation [1]. This domain contains 6 conserved cysteines suggesting 3 disulphide bridges.

1: A central role for P48/45 in malaria parasite male gamete fertility. van Dijk MR, Janse CJ, Thompson J, Waters AP, Braks JA, Dodemont HJ, Stunnenberg HG, van Gemert GJ, Sauerwein RW, Eling W; Cell 2001;104:153-164. PMID:11163248