The microsporidian, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, an intracellular parasite, is an opportunistic pathogen. Three-dimensional reconstructions from serial sections allowed visualization of the different cell stages in sporogenesis. The immunolocalization of cell wall proteins coupled with in situ hybridization of the corresponding mRNAs revealed their differential expression during intracellular development. The study of protein glycosylation has demonstrated the absence of N-glycosylation and the existence of a path of O-mannosylation. Similar to those of fungi, are linear chains with a maximum length of eight mannoses linked alpha1, 2 and mannoproteins are localized in the polar cap. Fucosylated proteins are present in the spore wall. The development of a protocol of separation stages sporogoniques density gradient, offers opportunities for comparative biochemical analysis.
