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Updated: May 4, 2026

Saliva, Salivary Gland, and Hemolymph Collection from Ixodes scapularis Ticks
Published on: February 21, 2012
Ménage à trois: Borrelia, dendritic cells, and tick saliva interactions
Lauren M K Mason1, Christiaan C Veerman1, Teunis B H Geijtenbeek2
1Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, is inoculated into the skin during an Ixodes tick bite where it is recognised and captured by dendritic cells (DCs). However, considering the propensity of Borrelia to disseminate, it would appear that DCs fall short in mounting a robust immune response against it. Many aspects of the DC-driven immune response to Borrelia have been examined. Recently, components of tick saliva have been identified that sabotage DC responses and aid Borrelia infection. In this review, we summarise what is currently known about the immune response of DCs to Borrelia and explore the mechanisms by which Borrelia manages to circumvent this immune response, with or without the help of tick salivary proteins.
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