Anopheline alanyl aminopeptidase N (AnAPN1)

**Anopheline alanyl aminopeptidase N (AnAPN1)** is a highly conserved, glycosylated, zinc-dependent peptidase located on the luminal surface of the midgut epithelial cells of Anopheles mosquitoes, particularly *Anopheles gambiae* and *Anopheles stephensi*, which are important vectors for human malaria[9][3][2][5]. AnAPN1 is critical for bloodmeal digestion in the mosquito and also serves as a receptor for *Plasmodium* ookinetes, enabling these malaria parasites to invade the mosquito midgut and complete their lifecycle for onward transmission to humans[1][4][2]. Because of its role in malaria transmission, AnAPN1 is the principal antigenic target for the development of **mosquito-based transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs)** designed to induce antibodies in humans or animals whose blood (when taken in a mosquito bloodmeal) blocks parasite development in the mosquito, thereby halting further spread of malaria[4][5][8]. Vaccine constructs such as UF6b, which display selected T-B epitopes of AnAPN1, are in clinical trials as next-generation TBV antigens[8][4][7]. AnAPN1 does not have a direct role in human physiology or disease, and no traditional drugs (small molecules or biologics) target it for therapeutic effect in humans.

Other names

Aminopeptidase NAPN1AgAPN1 (for Anopheles gambiae)AsAPN1 (for Anopheles stephensi)

For vaccine: Induction of antibodies that bind to AnAPN1 and inhibit Plasmodium development/adhesion in mosquito, thereby blocking malaria transmission