Merozoite thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (MTRAP)

Merozoite thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (MTRAP) is a transmembrane adhesin belonging to the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) family in Plasmodium falciparum. It is characterized by an extracellular thrombospondin repeat (TSR) domain and is expressed predominantly in the sexual (gametocyte) and asexual blood stages of the parasite. Contrary to earlier assumptions that MTRAP was critical for merozoite invasion into erythrocytes, recent genetic and functional studies indicate that MTRAP is instead essential for the rupture of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) during gametocyte egress, a key process in malaria transmission to the mosquito vector[1][2]. It acts as a bridge between extracellular ligands and the actin-myosin motor, facilitating vital stages of host cell invasion and parasite movement. MTRAP displays considerable genetic diversity and low immunogenicity, likely due to its localization and exposure patterns[4][5]. MTRAP is a considered experimental target for transmission-blocking antimalarial interventions rather than for direct asexual blood-stage (symptomatic malaria) treatment[1][2][5].

Other names

MTRAPPfMTRAPPlasmodium falciparum MTRAPMerozoite TRAP

Not applicable for drugs (see description for function)