This family includes members encoded by ASP-related genes which are distant homologs to ASPs (Ancylostoma-associated secreted proteins). ASPs are a diverse set of secreted cysteine-rich proteins Pfam:PF00188. ASPRs, on the other hand are predicted to be secreted with one ASPR in Heligmosomoides bakeri shown to be secreted by parasitic adults. Thus, like ASPs, ASPRs are suggested to comprise an important element of hookworm infection in vivo [1].

1: The genome and transcriptome of the zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum identify infection-specific gene families. Schwarz EM, Hu Y, Antoshechkin I, Miller MM, Sternberg PW, Aroian RV; Nat Genet. 2015;47:416-422. PMID:25730766