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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
07:21
Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
Immunology of interactions between ticks and hosts
1Institute of Zoology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Medical and Veterinary Entomology
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Ixodid tick infestations suppress host immunity by altering immune cell function and cytokine production. Tick salivary molecules contribute to this immunosuppression, impacting T-lymphocyte responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Entomology
Background:
- Ixodid ticks stimulate complex host immune responses involving various immune cells and molecules.
- Tick infestations can lead to immunosuppression, affecting the host's ability to fight infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of tick-mediated immunosuppression.
- To analyze the impact of tick salivary gland molecules on host immune cell function.
Main Methods:
- Studied immune cells from tick-infested animals.
- Exposed immune cells from uninfected animals to tick salivary gland molecules.
- Assessed lymphocyte proliferation, antibody responses, and cytokine production (IL-1, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10).
Main Results:
- Tick infestation reduced lymphocyte proliferation and antibody responses.
- Decreased production of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma) and increased production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) were observed.
- Tick salivary gland proteins were found to inhibit T-lymphocyte responsiveness.
Conclusions:
- Tick infestations induce immunosuppression characterized by a shift towards Th2 immunity.
- Tick salivary molecules play a significant role in suppressing host immune defenses, particularly T-lymphocyte function.
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