Odorant receptor which plays a critical role in the anthropophilic host-seeking behavior; establishes the host preference to transmit malaria. May participate in the phenomenon of decreased host-seeking behavior in disease vector mosquitoes after blood feeding. Female-specific antennae and maxillary palp expression. Strong response to the odorant 4-methylphenol, a component of human sweat, when expressed in odorant receptor deficient Drosophila. In vivo, decreased expression in antennae after a blood meal. Belongs to the insect chemoreceptor superfamily. Heteromeric odorant receptor channel (TC 1.A.69) family. Or2a subfamily. What mosquitoes sniff - Issue 44 of March 2004