The thermophilic, homohexameric aminopeptidase of Borrelia burgdorferi is a member of the M29 family of metallopeptidases.

Proteases are implicated in several aspects of the physiology of microorganisms, as well as in host-pathogen interactions. Aminopeptidases are also emerging as novel drug targets in infectious agents. In this study, we have characterized an aminopeptidase from the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease.