Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Saliva, Salivary Gland, and Hemolymph Collection from Ixodes scapularis Ticks
Published on: February 21, 2012
Ixodes ricinus tick saliva modulates tick-borne encephalitis virus infection of dendritic cells
Anna Fialová1, Zdenek Cimburek, Giandomenica Iezzi
1Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branisovská 31, CZ-37005 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic. anna.fialova@lfmotol.cuni.cz <anna.fialova@lfmotol.cuni.cz>
Abstract:
Tick-borne encephalitis virus is an important human pathogen, naturally delivered into host skin via a tick bite. To examine the effects of the virus on dendritic cell biology, we cultured dendritic cells with two tick-borne encephalitis virus strains of different virulence in the presence of Ixodes ricinus tick saliva. Tick saliva treatment increased proportion of virus-infected cells, led to a decrease in virus-induced TNF-alpha and IL-6 production and to reduced virus-induced apoptosis. Our data indicate that tick saliva modulate virus-mediated alterations in dendritic cells, thus probably being involved in the early infection process in the host.
Related Concept Videos
Rabies
Arboviral Encephalitis
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis l: Introduction

