ANPEP

Alanyl Aminopeptidase (ANPEP), also known as CD13 or aminopeptidase N, is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease anchored to the plasma membrane. It catalyzes the cleavage of N-terminal amino acids from peptides, regulating bioactive peptide metabolism and modulating cellular signaling. ANPEP is implicated in angiogenesis, immune response, and tumor progression through interactions with key pathways such as the PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and TGF-β cascades. Overexpression of ANPEP has been linked to malignancies (e.g., leukemia, colorectal cancer), inflammatory disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and viral entry mechanisms (e.g., human coronavirus 229E). Therapeutic strategies targeting ANPEP include small-molecule inhibitors (e.g., bestatin, ubenimex) approved for leukemia adjunct therapy, as well as monoclonal antibodies and peptide-drug conjugates in preclinical development for solid tumors. Recent studies explore its role in tumor-associated macrophage polarization and immunotherapy resistance, highlighting its potential as a multifunctional biomarker and therapeutic target.