Maritz-Olivier C, Stutzer C, Jongejan F, Neitz AWH, Gaspar ARM. Tick anti-hemostatics: targets for future vaccines and therapeutics.
Trends Parasitol 2007;
23:397-407. [PMID:
17656153 DOI:
10.1016/j.pt.2007.07.005]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2006] [Revised: 05/22/2007] [Accepted: 07/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
For ticks, a significant obstacle in obtaining a blood meal is counteracting the hemostatic system of the host. To this end, ticks have developed a broad array of anti-hemostatics, which is reflected in the presence of structurally related tick proteins with different functions. Disruption of blood flow which blocks successful tick feeding makes anti-hemostatics attractive targets for anti-tick vaccines. Moreover, the limited number of drugs currently available for a range of important cardio-vascular diseases makes ticks a potential source of novel therapeutics. This review aims to summarize the key features of tick anti-hemostatics, their structures, mode of action and possible future application as vaccines and novel therapeutic agents.
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