In conclusion, we have characterized P. falciparum ALV5, PhIP, a previously uncharacterized protein, and GAPM2 and show that GAPM2 and PhIP are essential for the blood-stage infection as their genetic attenuation arrests merozoite invasion resulting from the failure of merozoite to reorient its apical end towards the host RBC (Fig 6). This evidence concerns the gene PHIP and infection.