Plasmodium falciparum thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) (TRAP)

Plasmodium falciparum thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP), also known as Sporozoite Surface Protein 2 (SSP2), is a critical transmembrane protein expressed on the surface of sporozoites (UniProt: P17082) [1]. It is essential for the parasite's gliding motility and its ability to invade host hepatocytes, acting as a molecular link between the parasite's internal actin-myosin motor and the external host environment (PubMed: 9267024) [2]. Because TRAP is indispensable for the establishment of infection in the liver, it is a primary target for pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccines, where it is utilized as an immune antigen to elicit protective host responses (PubMed: 25824800) [3]. Therapeutic strategies, such as the ChAd63-MVA TRAP viral vector regimen, aim to induce potent CD8+ T-cell and antibody responses to neutralize sporozoites or destroy infected hepatocytes (Nature Communications: 21903744) [4]. However, the high genetic diversity of the TRAP gene across different Plasmodium strains remains a significant challenge for achieving broad, long-lasting protection (PubMed: 15567752) [5].

Other names

Sporozoite surface protein 2SSP2PfTRAPThrombospondin-related adhesive protein

Induction of TRAP-specific cellular and humoral immunity to inhibit sporozoite motility and hepatocyte invasion.