Aspartyl protease inhibition interferes with Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood-stage and early gametocyte development

The inhibition of aspartyl protease by pepstatin A moderately affected both asexual blood-stage and early-stage gametocyte development. Morphological changes on treated parasites implied the effect of pepstatin A on haemoglobin degradation process, suggesting its potential for reducing the severity of the disease and minimizing malaria transmission. However, further research and development are required to use aspartyl protease as a drug target, focusing on identifying and modifying the drug to be more sensitive and effective.