AMA1

Full Name: Apical merozoite antigen 1

BACKGROUND: Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA1) is a critical protein found on the surface of apicomplexan parasites, most notably Plasmodium spp., which are responsible for malaria. AMA1 plays a pivotal role in the parasite's ability to invade host cells, making it a significant target for vaccine development. AMA1 is a type I transmembrane protein, composed of an extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain, which is the main functional part of the protein, is highly conserved and consists of three distinct domains (D1, D2, and D3) that fold into a complex structure essential for its role in host cell invasion.

Synonyms: AMA1; Apical merozoite antigen 1; Apical membrane antigen 1