Vol. 6, Issue 4, Part A (2019)

Author(s): Renu Jakhar and SK Gakhar

Abstract: The Aminopeptidase N group of exopeptidases are abundant proteins on the midgut brush border of mosquitoes. It belongs to a group of membrane-bound zinc metalloproteases. It is a ubiquitous enzyme that is found in a wide range of organisms from insects to mammals. Studies carried out on mosquitoes APNs are proteolytic enzymes that are involved in a wide range of functions, including digestion, involved in defense responses receptors for Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1 insecticidal toxins and very important to play a role in parasite-vector interactions. Mosquito based Malaria Transmission Blocking Vaccines (TBV) target midgut surface antigens of Anopheles mosquitoes, the obligate vector of malaria parasite. Aminopeptidase N 1 is one of the most potent immunogenic protein involved in parasite infection and development in mosquitoes.