Tick–host interactions: saliva-activated transmission

Nuttall, P.A.; Labuda, M.. 2004 Tick–host interactions: saliva-activated transmission. Parasitology, 129 (S1). S177-S189. 10.1017/S0031182004005633

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Abstract/Summary

The skin site at which ticks attach to their hosts to feed is the critical interface between the tick and its host, and tick-borne pathogens. This site is highly modified by the pharmacologically active molecules secreted in tick saliva. For pathogens, it is an ecologically privileged niche that many exploit. Such exploitation is referred to as saliva-activated transmission (SAT) – the indirect promotion of tick-borne pathogen transmission via the actions of bioactive tick saliva molecules on the vertebrate host. Here we review evidence for SAT and consider what are the most likely candidates for SAT factors among the tick pharmacopoeia of anti-haemostatic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory molecules identified to date. SAT factors appear to differ for different pathogens and tick vector species, and possibly even depend on the vertebrate host species. Most likely we are searching for a suite of molecules that act together to overcome the redundancy in host response mechanisms. Whatever they turn out to be, the quest to identify the tick molecules that mediate SAT is an exciting one, and offers new insights to controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1017/S0031182004005633
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biodiversity
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Directors, SCs
ISSN:	0031-1820
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	In: Ticks: biology, disease and control, Bowman, A. and Nuttalls, P.A. (eds.).
Additional Keywords:	saliva-activated transmission, tick saliva, pathogen transmission Saliva-activated transmission; tick saliva; pathogen transmission. Saliva-activated transmission; tick saliva; pathogen transmission
NORA Subject Terms:	Biology and Microbiology
Date made live:	12 Dec 2012 11:05 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/20008

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