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Monakale KS, Smith RM, Gaorekwe RM, Ledwaba MB, Malatji DP. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of ticks and tick-borne pathogens from cattle in selected villages of Greater Letaba Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:292. [PMID: 39102116 PMCID: PMC11300509 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are blood ectoparasites that feed on domestic, wild animals and humans. They spread a variety of infections such as protozoa, viruses, and bacteria. Moreover, cattle reared by smallholder farmers are susceptible to ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, accurate identification of ticks and detection of tick-borne pathogens is crucial. The main aim of this study was to identify and characterize ticks and tick-borne pathogens from selected villages in Greater Letaba Municipality, Limpopo Province, using morphological and molecular techniques. A total of 233 ticks were collected from cattle and identified morphologically using appropriate morphological keys. The following tick species were identified: Amblyomma hebraeum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Rhipicephalus spp. was the most common species accounting to 73.8% of the identified ticks. The genomic DNA was extracted from the whole tick for tick identification and from midguts of the ticks for the detection of tick-borne pathogens, followed by amplification and sequencing. A total of 27 samples were positive for tick-borne pathogens: 23 samples tested positive for Theileria and four samples tested positive for Ehrlichia. Anaplasma and Rickettsial OmpB could not be detected from any of the samples. There was no obvious grouping of ticks and tick-borne pathogens on the bases of their locality. The findings of this study confirm previous reports that indicated that cattle reared by smallholder farmers harbor various ticks and tick-borne pathogens of veterinary, public health, and economic importance. Regular monitoring of tick infestations in villages around the study areas is recommended to avoid disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katleho Sechaba Monakale
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, 28 Pioneer Avenue, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Rae Marvin Smith
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, 28 Pioneer Avenue, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Realeboga Masego Gaorekwe
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, 28 Pioneer Avenue, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Maphuti Betty Ledwaba
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, 28 Pioneer Avenue, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Dikeledi Petunia Malatji
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, 28 Pioneer Avenue, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa.
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Rodríguez-Durán A, Ullah S, da Silva EMS, Gris AH, Driemeier D, Ali A, Parizi LF, da Silva Vaz Junior I. Immunologic characterization of the Bm05br protein using the Rhipicephalus linnaei (Audouin, 1826) species as a tick model. Vet Parasitol 2024; 330:110224. [PMID: 38861910 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The identification and characterization of tick proteins allow us to discover new physiological targets useful for the development of tick control methods. Bm05br (Brazil Rhipicephalus microplus protein 05) is a protein with unknown function identified in the saliva of R. microplus. Rs05br (Brazil Rhipicephalus sanguineus protein 05), a protein with 99 % similarity to Bm05br, was identified in Rhipicephalus linnaei egg, larval, and nymphal stages, as well as in adult saliva. To improve the knowledge about both proteins, immunological characterization was performed, including antigenicity analysis, vaccination trials, and artificial feeding. The sequence and antigenicity analysis of Bm05br and Rs05br proteins showed that R. linnaei could serve as a tick model for cross-protection studies. The recombinant Bm05br protein was immunogenic. Anti-Bm05br antibodies recognized the homologous protein Rs05br in different stages, organs, and in the saliva of R. linnaei. Although rBm05br did not induce a protective response against infestation in R. linnaei in this study, further experiments could be developed taking into account new formulations and animal models for vaccination. These results also serve as a reference for future research on the function of these proteins in R. microplus and R. linnaei physiology, as well as other species of the genus Rhipicephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlex Rodríguez-Durán
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil; Grupo de Investigación Parasitología Veterinaria, Laboratorio de Parasitología Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 No. 26-85, Bogotá, DC 110911, Colombia
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brazil; Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan
| | - Emanoelly Machado Sousa da Silva
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Anderson Hentz Gris
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan
| | - Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000,, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-853, Brazil.
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Perumalsamy N, Sharma R, Subramanian M, Nagarajan SA. Hard Ticks as Vectors: The Emerging Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases in India. Pathogens 2024; 13:556. [PMID: 39057783 PMCID: PMC11279560 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks (Ixodidae) play a critical role in transmitting various tick-borne diseases (TBDs), posing significant global threats to human and animal health. Climatic factors influence the abundance, diversity, and vectorial capacity of tick vectors. It is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of hard ticks, pathogens, eco-epidemiology, and the impact of climatic changes on the transmission dynamics of TBDs. The distribution and life cycle patterns of hard ticks are influenced by diverse ecological factors that, in turn, can be impacted by changes in climate, leading to the expansion of the tick vector's range and geographical distribution. Vector competence, a pivotal aspect of vectorial capacity, involves the tick's ability to acquire, maintain, and transmit pathogens. Hard ticks, by efficiently feeding on diverse hosts and manipulating their immunity through their saliva, emerge as competent vectors for various pathogens, such as viruses, parasites and bacteria. This ability significantly influences the success of pathogen transmission. Further exploration of genetic diversity, population structure, and hybrid tick vectors is crucial, as they play a substantial role in influencing vector competence and complicating the dynamics of TBDs. This comprehensive review deals with important TBDs in India and delves into a profound understanding of hard ticks as vectors, their biology, and the factors influencing their vector competence. Given that TBDs continue to pose a substantial threat to global health, the review emphasizes the urgency of investigating tick control strategies and advancing vaccine development. Special attention is given to the pivotal role of population genetics in comprehending the genetic diversity of tick populations and providing essential insights into their adaptability to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shriram Ananganallur Nagarajan
- Division of Vector Biology and Control, Indian Council of Medical Research—Vector Control Research Centre (ICMR-VCRC), Puducherry 605006, India; (N.P.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
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Haque MS, Islam MS, You MJ. Effect of Silencing subolesin and enolase impairs gene expression, engorgement and reproduction in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks. J Vet Sci 2024; 25:e43. [PMID: 38834512 PMCID: PMC11156603 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.24039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Haemaphysalis longicornis is an obligate blood-sucking ectoparasite that has gained attention due its role of transmitting medically and veterinary significant pathogens and it is the most common tick species in Republic of Korea. The preferred strategy for controlling ticks is a multi-antigenic vaccination. Testing the efficiency of a combination antigen is a promising method for creating a tick vaccine. OBJECTIVE The aim of the current research was to analyze the role of subolesin and enolase in feeding and reproduction of H. longicornis by gene silencing. METHODS In this study, we used RNA interference to silence salivary enolase and subolesin in H. longicornis. Unfed female ticks injected with double-stranded RNA targeting subolesin and enolase were attached and fed normally on the rabbit's ear. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the extent of knockdown. RESULTS Ticks in the subolesin or enolase dsRNA groups showed knockdown rates of 80% and 60% respectively. Ticks in the combination dsRNA (subolesin and enolase) group showed an 80% knockdown. Knockdown of subolesin and enolase resulted in significant depletion in feeding, blood engorgement weight, attachment rate, and egg laying. Silencing of both resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in tick engorgement, egg laying, egg hatching (15%), and reproduction. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Our results suggest that subolesin and enolase are an exciting target for future tick control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Samiul Haque
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Safety Research Centre, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
| | - Mohammad Saiful Islam
- Department of Medicine Surgery & Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Myung-Jo You
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Safety Research Centre, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea.
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de la Fuente J, Ghosh S. Evolution of tick vaccinology. Parasitology 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38586999 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202400043x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Ticks represent a major concern for society worldwide. Ticks are also difficult to control, and vaccines represent the most efficacious, safe, economically feasible and environmentally sustainable intervention. The evolution of tick vaccinology has been driven by multiple challenges such as (1) Ticks are difficult to control, (2) Vaccines control tick infestations by reducing ectoparasite fitness and reproduction, (3) Vaccine efficacy against multiple tick species, (4) Impact of tick strain genetic diversity on vaccine efficacy, (5) Antigen combination to improve vaccine efficacy, (6) Vaccine formulations and delivery platforms and (7) Combination of vaccines with transgenesis and paratransgenesis. Tick vaccine antigens evolved from organ protein extracts to recombinant proteins to chimera designed by vaccinomics and quantum vaccinomics. Future directions will advance in these areas together with other novel technologies such as multiomics, AI and Big Data, mRNA vaccines, microbiota-driven probiotics and vaccines, and combination of vaccines with other interventions in collaboration with regions with high incidence of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases for a personalized medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Parasitology Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, Bareilly, UP, India
- Eastern Regional Station- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, 37 Belgachia Road, Kolkata-700037, West Bengal, India
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Kim TK, Waldman J, Ibanez-Carrasco F, Tirloni L, Waltero C, Calixo C, Braz GR, Mulenga A, da Silva Vaz Junior I, Logullo C. Stable internal reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR analyses in Rhipicephalus microplus during embryogenesis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102251. [PMID: 37708803 PMCID: PMC10555470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies on the transcriptional control of gene expression are crucial to understand changes in organism's physiological or cellular conditions. To obtain reliable data on mRNA amounts and the estimation of gene expression levels, it is crucial to normalize the target gene with one or more internal reference gene(s). However, the use of constitutive genes as reference genes is controversial, as their expression patterns are sometimes more complex than previously thought. In various arthropod vectors, including ticks, several constitutive genes have been identified by studying gene expression in different tissues and life stages. The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a major vector for several pathogens and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Tick developmental physiology is an essential aspect of research, particularly embryogenesis, where many important developmental events occur, thus the identification of stable reference genes is essential for the interpretation of reliable gene expression data. This study aimed to identify and select R. microplus housekeeping genes and evaluate their stability during embryogenesis. Reference genes used as internal control in molecular assays were selected based on previous studies. These genes were screened by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and tested for gene expression stability during embryogenesis. Results demonstrated that the relative stability of reference genes varied at different time points during the embryogenesis. The GeNorm tool showed that elongation factor 1α (Elf1a) and ribosomal protein L4 (Rpl4) were the most stable genes, while H3 histone family 3A (Hist3A) and ribosomal protein S18 (RpS18) were the least stable. The NormFinder tool showed that Rpl4 was the most stable gene, while the ranking of Elf1a was intermediate in all tested conditions. The BestKeeper tool showed that Rpl4 and cyclophilin A (CycA) were the more and less stable genes, respectively. These data collectively demonstrate that Rpl4, Elf1a, and GAPDH are suitable internal controls for normalizing qPCR during R. microplus embryogenesis. These genes were consistently identified as the most stable in various analysis methods employed in this study. Thus, findings presented in this study offer valuable information for the study of gene expression during embryogenesis in R. microplus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA; Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Waldman
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Freddy Ibanez-Carrasco
- Department of Entomology, Minnie Bell Heep Center, Texas A&M University, Suite 412, 2475 TAMU, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 2415 East US Highway 83, Weslaco, TX 78596, USA
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Camila Waltero
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christiano Calixo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gloria R Braz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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da Silva GG, Zaldívar MF, Oliveira LAR, Mariano RMDS, Lair DF, de Souza RA, Galdino AS, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, da Silveira-Lemos D, Dutra WO, Nascimento Araújo R, Ferreira LL, Giunchetti RC. Advances in Non-Chemical Tools to Control Poultry Hematophagous Mites. Vet Sci 2023; 10:589. [PMID: 37888541 PMCID: PMC10611074 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-sucking mites Dermanyssus gallinae ("red mite"), Ornithonyssus sylviarum ("northern fowl mite"), and Ornithonyssus bursa ("tropical fowl mite") stand out for causing infestations in commercial poultry farms worldwide, resulting in significant economic damage for producers. In addition to changes in production systems that include new concerns for animal welfare, global climate change in recent years has become a major challenge in the spread of ectoparasites around the world. This review includes information regarding the main form of controlling poultry mites through the use of commercially available chemicals. In addition, non-chemical measures against blood-sucking mites were discussed such as extracts and oils from plants and seeds, entomopathogenic fungi, semiochemicals, powder such as diatomaceous earth and silica-based products, and vaccine candidates. The control of poultry mites using chemical methods that are currently used to control or eliminate them are proving to be less effective as mites develop resistance. In contrast, the products based on plant oils and extracts, powders of plant origin, fungi, and new antigens aimed at developing transmission-blocking vaccines against poultry mites provide some encouraging options for the rational control of these ectoparasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geralda Gabriele da Silva
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Maykelin Fuentes Zaldívar
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Lucilene Aparecida Resende Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Reysla Maria da Silveira Mariano
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Daniel Ferreira Lair
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Renata Antunes de Souza
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory, Federal University of São João Del-Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil;
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Arequipa 04000, Peru;
| | - Denise da Silveira-Lemos
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Walderez Ornelas Dutra
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
| | - Ricardo Nascimento Araújo
- Laboratory of Hematophagous Arthropods, Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Lorena Lopes Ferreira
- Laboratory of Ectoparasites, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.A.R.O.); (R.M.d.S.M.); (D.F.L.); (R.A.d.S.); (D.d.S.-L.); (W.O.D.)
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Rodríguez-Durán A, Ullah S, Parizi LF, Ali A, da Silva Vaz Junior I. Rabbits as Animal Models for Anti-Tick Vaccine Development: A Global Scenario. Pathogens 2023; 12:1117. [PMID: 37764925 PMCID: PMC10536012 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies evaluating candidate tick-derived proteins as anti-tick vaccines in natural hosts have been limited due to high costs. To overcome this problem, animal models are used in immunization tests. The aim of this article was to review the use of rabbits as an experimental model for the evaluation of tick-derived proteins as vaccines. A total of 57 tick proteins were tested for their immunogenic potential using rabbits as models for vaccination. The most commonly used rabbit breeds were New Zealand (73.8%), Japanese white (19%), Californians (4.8%) and Flemish lop-eared (2.4%) rabbits. Anti-tick vaccines efficacy resulted in up to 99.9%. Haemaphysalis longicornis (17.9%) and Ornithodoros moubata (12.8%) were the most common tick models in vaccination trials. Experiments with rabbits have revealed that some proteins (CoAQP, OeAQP, OeAQP1, Bm86, GST-Hl, 64TRP, serpins and voraxin) can induce immune responses against various tick species. In addition, in some cases it was possible to determine that the vaccine efficacy in rabbits was similar to that of experiments performed on natural hosts (e.g., Bm86, IrFER2, RmFER2, serpins and serine protease inhibitor). In conclusion, results showed that prior to performing anti-tick vaccination trials using natural hosts, rabbits can be used as suitable experimental models for these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlex Rodríguez-Durán
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande de Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; (A.R.-D.); (S.U.); (L.F.P.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande de Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre 91540-000, RS, Brazil
- Grupo de Investigación Parasitología Veterinaria, Laboratorio de Parasitología Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 No. 26-85, Bogotá 110911, Colombia
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande de Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; (A.R.-D.); (S.U.); (L.F.P.)
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;
| | - Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande de Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; (A.R.-D.); (S.U.); (L.F.P.)
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande de Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; (A.R.-D.); (S.U.); (L.F.P.)
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande de Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre 91540-000, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, RJ, Brazil
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9
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Coate R, Alonso-Díaz MÁ, Martínez-Velázquez M, Castro-Saines E, Hernández-Ortiz R, Lagunes-Quintanilla R. Testing Efficacy of a Conserved Polypeptide from the Bm86 Protein against Rhipicephalus microplus in the Mexican Tropics. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1267. [PMID: 37515082 PMCID: PMC10383145 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus economically impacts cattle production in tropical and subtropical countries. Application of acaricides constitutes the major control method; however, inadequate use has increased resistant tick populations, resulting in environmental and cattle product contamination. Anti-tick vaccines based on the Bm86 antigen are an environmentally friendly, safe, and economically sustainable alternative for controlling R. microplus infestations. Nevertheless, variable efficacy has been experienced against different geographic tick strains. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of a conserved polypeptide Bm86 derived from a Mexican R. microplus strain previously characterized. Twelve cows were assigned to three experimental groups and immunized with three doses of the polypeptide Bm86 (pBm86), adjuvant/saline alone, and Bm86 antigen (control +), respectively. Specific IgG antibody levels were measured by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. In addition, the reproductive performance of naturally infested R. microplus was also determined. The more affected parameter was the adult female tick number, with a reduction of 44% by the pBm86 compared to the controls (p < 0.05), showing a vaccine efficacy of 58%. Anti-pBm86 IgG antibodies were immunogenic and capable of recognizing the native Bm86 protein in the eggs, larvae, and guts of R. microplus. The negative correlation between antibody levels and the reduction of naturally tick-infested cattle suggested that the effect of the polypeptide Bm86 was attributed to the antibody response in immunized cattle. In conclusion, the polypeptide Bm86 showed a specific immune response in cattle and conferred protection against R. microplus in a Mexican tropical region. These findings support further experiments with this antigen to demonstrate its effectiveness as a regional vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymundo Coate
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel Alonso-Díaz
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Ganadería Tropical, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 5.5 Carretera Federal Tlapacoyan-Martínez de La Torre, Martínez de La Torre 93600, Mexico
| | - Moisés Martínez-Velázquez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C, Avenida Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico
| | - Edgar Castro-Saines
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad-INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec 62550, Mexico
| | - Rubén Hernández-Ortiz
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad-INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec 62550, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Lagunes-Quintanilla
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad-INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec 62550, Mexico
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10
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The Bm86 Discovery: A Revolution in the Development of Anti-Tick Vaccines. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020231. [PMID: 36839503 PMCID: PMC9965646 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence in nature of species with genetic resistance to ticks, or with acquired resistance after repeated tick infestations, has encouraged the scientific community to consider vaccination as an alternative to the unsustainable chemical control of ticks. After numerous attempts to artificially immunize hosts with tick extracts, the purification and characterization of the Bm86 antigen by Willadsen et al. in 1989 constituted a revolutionary step forward in the development of vaccines against ticks. Previously, innovative studies that had used tick gut extracts for the immunization of cattle against Rhipicepahalus microplus (previously named Boophilus microplus) ticks, with amazingly successful results, demonstrated the feasibility of using antigens other than salivary-gland-derived molecules to induce a strong anti-tick immunity. However, the practical application of an anti-tick vaccine required the isolation, identification, and purification of the responsible antigen, which was finally defined as the Bm86 protein. More than thirty years later, the only commercially available anti-tick vaccines are still based on this antigen, and all our current knowledge about the field application of immunological control based on vaccination against ticks has been obtained through the use of these vaccines.
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11
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Bonnet SI, Vourc’h G, Raffetin A, Falchi A, Figoni J, Fite J, Hoch T, Moutailler S, Quillery E. The control of Hyalomma ticks, vectors of the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus: Where are we now and where are we going? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010846. [PMCID: PMC9671348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
At a time of major global, societal, and environmental changes, the shifting distribution of pathogen vectors represents a real danger in certain regions of the world as generating opportunities for emergency. For example, the recent arrival of the Hyalomma marginatum ticks in southern France and the concurrent appearance of cases of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF)—a disease vectored by this tick species—in neighboring Spain raises many concerns about the associated risks for the European continent. This context has created an urgent need for effective methods for control, surveillance, and risk assessment for ticks and tick-borne diseases with a particular concern regarding Hyalomma sp. Here, we then review the current body of knowledge on different methods of tick control—including chemical, biological, genetical, immunological, and ecological methods—and the latest developments in the field, with a focus on those that have been tested against ticks from the genus Hyalomma. In the absence of a fully and unique efficient approach, we demonstrated that integrated pest management combining several approaches adapted to the local context and species is currently the best strategy for tick control together with a rational use of acaricide. Continued efforts are needed to develop and implement new and innovative methods of tick control. Disease-bearing Hyalomma ticks are an increasingly emerging threat to humans and livestock worldwide. Various chemical, biological, genetic, and ecological methods for tick control have been developed, with variable efficiencies. Today, the best tick control strategy involves an integrated pest management approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah I. Bonnet
- Animal Health Department, INRAE, Nouzilly, France
- Ecology and Emergence of Arthropod-borne Pathogens Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000, Université Paris-cité, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Gwenaël Vourc’h
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Université de Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Alice Raffetin
- Reference Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases, Paris and Northern Region, Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, 40 allée de la Source, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, UPEC, Créteil, France
- Unité de recherche EpiMAI, USC ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- UR7310, Faculté de Sciences, Campus Grimaldi, Université de Corse, Corte, France
| | - Julie Figoni
- Santé publique France, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Johanna Fite
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | | | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Elsa Quillery
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
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Lagunes-Quintanilla R, Valdez-Espinoza UM, Hernández-Ortiz R, Castro-Saines E, Merino O, Mendoza-Martínez N. Experimental vaccination in rabbits using the peptide RmS-17 antigen reduces the performance of a Mexican Rhipicephalus microplus tick strain. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102044. [PMID: 36166916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The tick vector Rhipicephalus microplus is considered one of the main problems in cattle production in tropical and subtropical regions. Anti-tick vaccines may form an alternative tick control method to the use of acaricides, and tick salivary proteins, such as Serpins, may be valuable as target antigens for developing anti-tick vaccines. In this study, we synthesized a recombinant peptide derived from Serpin RmS-17 protein using an Escherichia coli expression system and characterized the efficacy of the peptide RmS-17 for the control of R. microplus females infesting rabbits. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to three experimental groups and vaccinated with three subcutaneous doses of the peptide RmS-17, recombinant R. microplus Bm86 antigen, and adjuvant/saline alone. The tick challenge was conducted with 120 R. microplus adults (60 females and 60 males) per animal, with the ticks placed inside a cotton sleeve glued to the back of the rabbit. Serum antibody levels (IgG) were assessed by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot; also, the reproductive performance of R. microplus was determined. The results showed that experimental vaccination in rabbits using the peptide RmS-17 antigen had a vaccine efficacy of 79% based on reductions in adult tick number, oviposition, and egg fertility compared to control animals. The peptide RmS-17 vaccinated rabbits developed a strong humoral immune response expressed by high anti-pRmS-17 IgG levels, and the Western blot analysis confirmed that it is immunogenic. The efficacy for the Bm86 vaccine was 62%, which is within the range of efficacy reported previously for Bm86 vaccine. The negative correlation between antibody levels and reduction in tick number strongly suggests that the effect of the vaccine was the result of the antibody response in vaccinated rabbits. In conclusion, this is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of the peptide RmS-17 against R. microplus tick infestation and show it to be immunogenic and protective in a rabbit model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Lagunes-Quintanilla
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad - INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca - Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos CP 62550, México.
| | - Uriel Mauricio Valdez-Espinoza
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad - INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca - Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos CP 62550, México
| | - Rubén Hernández-Ortiz
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad - INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca - Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos CP 62550, México
| | - Edgar Castro-Saines
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad - INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca - Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos CP 62550, México
| | - Octavio Merino
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Km. 5, Carretera Victoria‑Mante, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas CP 87000, México
| | - Nancy Mendoza-Martínez
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Ganadería Tropical, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad de México CP 04510, México
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13
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Maqbool M, Sajid MS, Saqib M, Anjum FR, Tayyab MH, Rizwan HM, Rashid MI, Rashid I, Iqbal A, Siddique RM, Shamim A, Hassan MA, Atif FA, Razzaq A, Zeeshan M, Hussain K, Nisar RHA, Tanveer A, Younas S, Kamran K, Rahman SU. Potential Mechanisms of Transmission of Tick-Borne Viruses at the Virus-Tick Interface. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:846884. [PMID: 35602013 PMCID: PMC9121816 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.846884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks (Acari; Ixodidae) are the second most important vector for transmission of pathogens to humans, livestock, and wildlife. Ticks as vectors for viruses have been reported many times over the last 100 years. Tick-borne viruses (TBVs) belong to two orders (Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales) containing nine families (Bunyaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Asfarviridae, Orthomyxovirida, Reoviridae, Flaviviridae, Phenuviridae, Nyamiviridae, and Nairoviridae). Among these TBVs, some are very pathogenic, causing huge mortality, and hence, deserve to be covered under the umbrella of one health. About 38 viral species are being transmitted by <10% of the tick species of the families Ixodidae and Argasidae. All TBVs are RNA viruses except for the African swine fever virus from the family Asfarviridae. Tick-borne viral diseases have also been classified as an emerging threat to public health and animals, especially in resource-poor communities of the developing world. Tick-host interaction plays an important role in the successful transmission of pathogens. The ticks' salivary glands are the main cellular machinery involved in the uptake, settlement, and multiplication of viruses, which are required for successful transmission into the final host. Furthermore, tick saliva also participates as an augmenting tool during the physiological process of transmission. Tick saliva is an important key element in the successful transmission of pathogens and contains different antimicrobial proteins, e.g., defensin, serine, proteases, and cement protein, which are key players in tick-virus interaction. While tick-virus interaction is a crucial factor in the propagation of tick-borne viral diseases, other factors (physiological, immunological, and gut flora) are also involved. Some immunological factors, e.g., toll-like receptors, scavenger receptors, Janus-kinase (JAK-STAT) pathway, and immunodeficiency (IMD) pathway are involved in tick-virus interaction by helping in virus assembly and acting to increase transmission. Ticks also harbor some endogenous viruses as internal microbial faunas, which also play a significant role in tick-virus interaction. Studies focusing on tick saliva and its role in pathogen transmission, tick feeding, and control of ticks using functional genomics all point toward solutions to this emerging threat. Information regarding tick-virus interaction is somewhat lacking; however, this information is necessary for a complete understanding of transmission TBVs and their persistence in nature. This review encompasses insight into the ecology and vectorial capacity of tick vectors, as well as our current understanding of the predisposing, enabling, precipitating, and reinforcing factors that influence TBV epidemics. The review explores the cellular, biochemical, and immunological tools which ensure and augment successful evading of the ticks' defense systems and transmission of the viruses to the final hosts at the virus-vector interface. The role of functional genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in profiling tick-virus interaction is also discussed. This review is an initial attempt to comprehensively elaborate on the epidemiological determinants of TBVs with a focus on intra-vector physiological processes involved in the successful execution of the docking, uptake, settlement, replication, and transmission processes of arboviruses. This adds valuable data to the existing bank of knowledge for global stakeholders, policymakers, and the scientific community working to devise appropriate strategies to control ticks and TBVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahvish Maqbool
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sohail Sajid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Rasheed Anjum
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Haleem Tayyab
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Rizwan
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, KBCMA College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Narowal, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Imaad Rashid
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Asif Iqbal
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rao Muhammad Siddique
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asim Shamim
- Department of Pathobiology, University of the Poonch Rawalakot, Rawalakot, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adeel Hassan
- Department of Parasitology, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Ahmad Atif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, Collège of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Pakistan
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Razzaq
- Agricultural Linkages Program, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zeeshan
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Hussain
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Akasha Tanveer
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sahar Younas
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Kamran
- Department of Zoology, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad ur Rahman
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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14
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Integrative Alternative Tactics for Ixodid Control. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030302. [PMID: 35323601 PMCID: PMC8948879 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Hard ticks are important for economic and health reasons, and control has mainly relied upon use of synthetic acaricides. Contemporary development of resistance and concerns relating to health and environmental safety have elicited exploration into alternative tactics for hard tick management. Some examples of alternative tactics involve biological control, desiccant dusts, growth regulators, vaccines, cultural methods, and ingested medications. Abstract Ixodids (hard ticks), ectoparasitic arthropods that vector the causal agents of many serious diseases of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, have become increasingly difficult to control because of the development of resistance against commonly applied synthetic chemical-based acaricides. Resistance has prompted searches for alternative, nonconventional control tactics that can be used as part of integrated ixodid management strategies and for mitigating resistance to conventional acaricides. The quest for alternative control tactics has involved research on various techniques, each influenced by many factors, that have achieved different degrees of success. Alternative approaches include cultural practices, ingested and injected medications, biological control, animal- and plant-based substances, growth regulators, and inert desiccant dusts. Research on biological control of ixodids has mainly focused on predators, parasitoid wasps, infective nematodes, and pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Studies on animal-based substances have been relatively limited, but research on botanicals has been extensive, including whole plant, extract, and essential oil effects on ixodid mortality, behavior, and reproduction. The inert dusts kaolin, silica gel, perlite, and diatomaceous earth are lethal to ixodids, and they are impervious to environmental degradation, unlike chemical-based toxins, remaining effective until physically removed.
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Ali A, Zeb I, Alouffi A, Zahid H, Almutairi MM, Ayed Alshammari F, Alrouji M, Termignoni C, Vaz IDS, Tanaka T. Host Immune Responses to Salivary Components - A Critical Facet of Tick-Host Interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:809052. [PMID: 35372098 PMCID: PMC8966233 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.809052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick sialome is comprised of a rich cocktail of bioactive molecules that function as a tool to disarm host immunity, assist blood-feeding, and play a vibrant role in pathogen transmission. The adaptation of the tick's blood-feeding behavior has lead to the evolution of bioactive molecules in its saliva to assist them to overwhelm hosts' defense mechanisms. During a blood meal, a tick secretes different salivary molecules including vasodilators, platelet aggregation inhibitors, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory proteins, and inhibitors of complement activation; the salivary repertoire changes to meet various needs such as tick attachment, feeding, and modulation or impairment of the local dynamic and vigorous host responses. For instance, the tick's salivary immunomodulatory and cement proteins facilitate the tick's attachment to the host to enhance prolonged blood-feeding and to modulate the host's innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent advances implemented in the field of "omics" have substantially assisted our understanding of host immune modulation and immune inhibition against the molecular dynamics of tick salivary molecules in a crosstalk between the tick-host interface. A deep understanding of the tick salivary molecules, their substantial roles in multifactorial immunological cascades, variations in secretion, and host immune responses against these molecules is necessary to control these parasites. In this article, we reviewed updated knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying host responses to diverse elements in tick saliva throughout tick invasion, as well as host defense strategies. In conclusion, understanding the mechanisms involved in the complex interactions between the tick salivary components and host responses is essential to decipher the host defense mechanisms against the tick evasion strategies at tick-host interface which is promising in the development of effective anti-tick vaccines and drug therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ismail Zeb
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahdah Ayed Alshammari
- College of Sciences and Literature Microbiology, Nothern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alrouji
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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16
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Ring K, Couper LI, Sapiro AL, Yarza F, Yang XF, Clay K, Mateusiak C, Chou S, Swei A. Host blood meal identity modifies vector gene expression and competency. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:2698-2711. [PMID: 35231145 PMCID: PMC9314864 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A vector's susceptibility and ability to transmit a pathogen—termed vector competency—determines disease outcomes, yet the ecological factors influencing tick vector competency remain largely unknown. Ixodes pacificus, the tick vector of Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) in the western U.S., feeds on rodents, birds, and lizards. Rodents and birds are reservoirs for Bb and infect juvenile ticks, while lizards are refractory to Bb and cannot infect feeding ticks. Additionally, the lizard bloodmeal contains borreliacidal properties, clearing previously infected feeding ticks of their Bb infection. Despite I. pacificus feeding on a range of hosts, it is undetermined how the host identity of the larval bloodmeal affects future nymphal vector competency. We experimentally evaluate the influence of larval host bloodmeal on Bb acquisition by nymphal I. pacificus. Larval I. pacificus were fed on either lizards or mice and after molting, nymphs were fed on Bb‐infected mice. We found that lizard‐fed larvae were significantly more likely to become infected with Bb during their next bloodmeal than mouse‐fed larvae. We also conducted the first RNA‐seq analysis on whole‐bodied I. pacificus and found significant upregulation of tick antioxidants and antimicrobial peptides in the lizard‐fed group. Our results indicate that the lizard bloodmeal significantly alters vector competency and gene regulation in ticks, highlighting the importance of host bloodmeal identity in vector‐borne disease transmission and upends prior notions about the role of lizards in Lyme disease community ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacie Ring
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 93106
| | - Lisa I Couper
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 327 Campus Drive, Stanford, 94305
| | - Anne L Sapiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, 94158
| | - Fauna Yarza
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, 94158
| | - X Frank Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635, Barnhill Drive, MS409J, 46202
| | - Keith Clay
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, 6823 Charles Avenue, New Orleans, 70118
| | - Chase Mateusiak
- Center for Genome Science and Systems Biology, 4515 McKinley Ave, St. Louis, 63110
| | - Seemay Chou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, 94158.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, 94158
| | - Andrea Swei
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, 94132
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17
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Song R, Ge T, Hu E, Fan X, Zhang Y, Zhai X, Li M, Zhang W, Wu L, Cheung AKL, Chahan B. Recombinant cysteine proteinase as anti-tick targeting Hyalomma asiaticum infestation. Exp Parasitol 2022; 235:108234. [PMID: 35218759 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine proteases are involved in the digestion of host blood and the degradation of yolk proteins of arthropod ectoparasites. In this study, a cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase gene (HasCPL) of Hyalomma asiaticum was cloned, and recombinant (r)HasCPL protein was generated for immunization study. Bioinformatic analysis confirmed HasCPL was a member of the papain family (clan CA) and have high sequence identities with CPLs of other Ixodid ticks. The efficacy of immunization against H. asiaticum infestations in rabbits was assessed. Rabbits (n = 3) were immunized three times with rHasCPL before challenged with 250 larvae per rabbit four weeks post-immunization. A high antibody titer was detected in immunized rabbits in comparison to control. Western blot analysis detected CPLs in midgut, salivary gland, and ovary. Increase of rejection percentage of larvae were noted in ticks fed on immunized animals in comparison to control. Overall, a 55.09% protection against larva ticks was noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Song
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
| | - Ting Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
| | - Ercha Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
| | - Xinli Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Xuejie Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
| | - Min Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
| | - Lijiang Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
| | - Allen Ka Loon Cheung
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
| | - Bayin Chahan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830052, China.
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18
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Xu X, Wang C, Liu Q, Huang Y, Sun W, Pan B. Two ferritins from Dermanyssus gallinae: characterization and in vivo assessment as protective antigens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:561-571. [PMID: 34595835 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae is recognized worldwide as the most important bloodsucking ectoparasite in layer and breeder flocks. In bloodsucking ectoparasites, ferritins (FERs), the iron-storage proteins, play a pivotal role in dealing with the challenge of large amounts of released iron during the digestion of blood meal. However, no information is available concerning FERs of D. gallinae. The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics, functions and the vaccine efficacy of FERs in D. gallinae. RESULTS Two heavy-chain FERs of D. gallinae were identified and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Dg-FER1 may be a secretory FER and Dg-FER2 an intracellular one. RNAi results demonstrated that Dg-fers play key roles in mite survival, successful reproduction and blood digestion. Immunization with rDg-FER1 or rDg-FER2 successfully induced chickens to produce high levels of antigen-specific IgY, resulting in a significant increase in mite mortality (by 58.67% on Day 5) and decreases in oviposition (by 42.15%) and fecundity (by 68.97%) in the rDg-FER1 group, and a 13.73% increase in mite mortality and a 20.89% decrease in fecundity in the rDg-FER1 group. The overall immunization efficacy of rDg-FER1 was 93.51%. CONCLUSION Two Dg-FERs are crucial to the survival, reproduction and blood digestion of D. gallinae. This study has provided preliminary evidence demonstrating the potential of rDg-FER1 as a vaccine antigen for D. gallinae. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Xu
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanwen Wang
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoliang Pan
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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19
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Anti-Tick Vaccines: Current Advances and Future Prospects. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2411:253-267. [PMID: 34816410 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1888-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are increasingly a global public health and veterinary concern. They transmit numerous pathogens that are of veterinary and public health importance. Acaricides, livestock breeding for tick resistance, tick handpicking, pasture spelling, and anti-tick vaccines (ATVs) are in use for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs); acaricides and ATVs being the most and least used TTBD control methods respectively. The overuse and misuse of acaricides has inadvertently selected for tick strains that are resistant to acaricides. Furthermore, vaccines are rare and not commercially available in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It doesn't help that many of the other methods are labor-intensive and found impractical especially for larger farm operations. The success of TTBD control is therefore dependent on integrating all the currently available methods. Vaccines have been shown to be cheap and effective. However, their large-scale deployment for TTBD control in SSA is hindered by commercial unavailability of efficacious anti-tick vaccines against sub-Saharan African tick strains. Thanks to advances in genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics technologies, many promising anti-tick vaccine antigens (ATVA) have been identified. However, few of them have been investigated for their potential as ATV candidates. Reverse vaccinology (RV) can be leveraged to accelerate ATV discovery. It is cheap and shortens the lead time from ATVA discovery to vaccine production. This chapter provides a brief overview of recent advances in ATV development, ATVs, ATV effector mechanisms, and anti-tick RV. Additionally, it provides a detailed outline of vaccine antigen selection and analysis using computational methods.
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20
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Hendawy SHM, Alzan HF, Tanaka T, Mahmoud MS. Fundamental Tick Vaccinomic Approach to Evade Host Autoimmune Reaction. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2411:343-358. [PMID: 34816415 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1888-2_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites that infect domestic animals, humans, and wildlife. Ticks can transmit a wide range of pathogens (viruses, rickettsia, bacteria, parasites, etc.), and some of those are of zoonotic importance. Tick-borne diseases have a negative economic impact in several tropical and subtropical countries. With climate change, tick distribution and tick-associated pathogens have increased. Currently, tick control procedures have more environmental drawbacks and there are pitfalls in vaccination process. Since vaccinations have helped to prevent several diseases and infections, several vaccination trials are ongoing to control ticks and tick-borne pathogens. However, autoimmune reactions to vaccinations are reported as an adverse reaction since vaccines were used to protect against disease in humans and animals. The antibodies against the vaccine antigen might harm similar antigen in the host. Therefore, in this chapter, we attempt to shed light on the importance of raising awareness of possible adverse events associated with vaccinations and the methods that should be used to address this problem. In silico and lab work should be performed ahead of the vaccination process to evaluate the vaccine candidates and avoid the vaccination opposing consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seham H M Hendawy
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.,Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba F Alzan
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.,Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Mona S Mahmoud
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.,Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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21
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Atif FA, Mehnaz S, Qamar MF, Roheen T, Sajid MS, Ehtisham-ul-Haque S, Kashif M, Ben Said M. Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Control of Canine Infectious Cyclic Thrombocytopenia and Granulocytic Anaplasmosis: Emerging Diseases of Veterinary and Public Health Significance. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120312. [PMID: 34941839 PMCID: PMC8705095 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the diagnostic methods used, the control strategies adopted, and the global epidemiological status of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia and granulocytic anaplasmosis at the animal–human interface. Canine anaplasmosis is an important worldwide disease, mainly caused by Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum with zoonotic implications. A. platys chiefly infects platelets in canids, while A. phagocytophilum is the most common zoonotic pathogen infecting neutrophils of various vertebrate hosts. Diagnosis is based on the identification of clinical signs, the recognition of intracellular inclusions observed by microscopic observation of stained blood smear, and/or methods detecting antibodies or nucleic acids, although DNA sequencing is usually required to confirm the pathogenic strain. Serological cross-reactivity is the main problem in serodiagnosis. Prevalence varies from area to area depending on tick exposure. Tetracyclines are significant drugs for human and animal anaplasmosis. No universal vaccine is yet available that protects against diverse geographic strains. The control of canine anaplasmosis therefore relies on the detection of vectors/reservoirs, control of tick vectors, and prevention of iatrogenic/mechanical transmission. The control strategies for human anaplasmosis include reducing high-risk tick contact activities (such as gardening and hiking), careful blood transfusion, by passing immunosuppression, recognizing, and control of reservoirs/vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Ahmad Atif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: or (F.A.A.); or (M.B.S.); Tel.: +92-47-7671270 (F.A.A.); +216-58-964147 (M.B.S.)
| | - Saba Mehnaz
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Fiaz Qamar
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (M.F.Q.); (S.E.-u.-H.)
| | - Taleeha Roheen
- Department of Chemistry (Biochemistry), University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Sohail Sajid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Syed Ehtisham-ul-Haque
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (M.F.Q.); (S.E.-u.-H.)
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Correspondence: or (F.A.A.); or (M.B.S.); Tel.: +92-47-7671270 (F.A.A.); +216-58-964147 (M.B.S.)
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22
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Mendoza-Martínez N, Alonso-Díaz MA, Merino O, Fernández-Salas A, Lagunes-Quintanilla R. Protective efficacy of the peptide Subolesin antigen against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus under natural infestation. Vet Parasitol 2021; 299:109577. [PMID: 34560320 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus affect animal health, welfare, and cattle production in tropical and subtropical zones of the world. Anti-tick vaccines have been an effective alternative for cattle tick control instead of traditional chemical products. To date, Subolesin antigen has shown efficacy for the control of tick infestation in cattle, and previous studies showed that one peptide derived from this protein has demonstrated to elicit a strong and specific humoral immune response. Based on these findings, herein we characterized the efficacy of the peptide Subolesin for the control of cattle tick, R. microplus infestation under field conditions. Twenty-four female calves were assigned to four experimental groups and immunized with three subcutaneous doses of the peptide Subolesin, Bm86, both antigens (dual vaccine) and adjuvant/saline alone, respectively. Serum antibody levels (IgG) were assessed by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot; also, reproductive performance of naturally infested R. microplus was determined. The results showed that immunizations with the experimental antigens reduced tick infestations with vaccine's efficacy of 67 % (peptide Subolesin), 56 % (Bm86), and 49 % (dual vaccine) based on adult tick numbers, oviposition, and egg fertility between vaccinated and control animals. Peptide Subolesin-immunized calves developed a strong humoral immune response expressed by high anti-pSubolesin IgG levels, and the Western blot analysis confirmed that it is immunogenic. Cattle receiving Bm86 and dual vaccine showed less protection, although Bm86 was within the range reported previously. The negative correlation between antibody levels and reduction of naturally infested R. microplus strongly suggested that the effect of the vaccine was the result of the antibody response in immunized cattle. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the peptide Subolesin induced a specific immune response in cattle under field conditions, resulting in reduced R. microplus populations in subsequent generations. Finally, integrated tick control must consider anti-tick vaccines as a cost-effective, sustainable, and successful tool for controlling cattle tick infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Mendoza-Martínez
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Ganadería Tropical, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 5.5 Carretera Federal Tlapacoyan-Martínez de La Torre, C.P. 93600, Martínez de La Torre, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Alonso-Díaz
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Ganadería Tropical, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 5.5 Carretera Federal Tlapacoyan-Martínez de La Torre, C.P. 93600, Martínez de La Torre, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Octavio Merino
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Km. 5, Carretera Victoria‑Mante, CP 87000, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Agustín Fernández-Salas
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Ganadería Tropical, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 5.5 Carretera Federal Tlapacoyan-Martínez de La Torre, C.P. 93600, Martínez de La Torre, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Lagunes-Quintanilla
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad - INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca - Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, C.P. 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico.
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23
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Martínez Velázquez M, Barragán Álvarez CP, Flores Fernández JM, Lagunes Quintanilla RE, Saines EC, Ramírez Rodríguez PB, Herrera Rodríguez SE, Gutiérrez RH, Ortega AG, Álvarez ÁH. Immunoprotection evaluation of the recombinant N-terminal domain of Cys-loop receptors against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick infestation. Parasite 2021; 28:65. [PMID: 34533454 PMCID: PMC8447868 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of cattle and act as vectors for disease-causing microorganisms. Conventional tick control is based on the application of chemical acaricides; however, their uncontrolled use has increased resistant tick populations, as well as food and environmental contamination. Alternative immunological tick control has shown to be partially effective. Therefore, there is a need to characterize novel antigens in order to improve immunological protection. The aim of this work was to evaluate Cys-loop receptors as vaccine candidates. N-terminal domains of a glutamate receptor and of a glycine-like receptor were recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli. Groups of BALB/c mice were independently immunized with four doses of each recombinant protein emulsified with Freund’s adjuvant. Both vaccine candidates were immunogenic in mice as demonstrated by western blot analysis. Next, recombinant proteins were independently formulated with the adjuvant Montanide ISA 50 V2 and evaluated in cattle infested with Rhipicephalus microplus tick larvae. Groups of three European crossbred calves were immunized with three doses of each adjuvanted protein. ELISA test was used to evaluate the IgG immune response elicited against the recombinant proteins. Results showed that vaccine candidates generated a moderate humoral response on vaccinated cattle. Vaccination significantly affected the number of engorged adult female ticks, having no significant effects on tick weight, egg weight and egg fertility values. Vaccine efficacies of 33% and 25% were calculated for the glutamate receptor and the glycine-like receptor, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Martínez Velázquez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Carla Patricia Barragán Álvarez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - José Miguel Flores Fernández
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Rodolfo Esteban Lagunes Quintanilla
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones en Parasitología Veterinaria-INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, México
| | - Edgar Castro Saines
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones en Parasitología Veterinaria-INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, México
| | - Patricia Berenice Ramírez Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Sara Elisa Herrera Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Rodolfo Hernández Gutiérrez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Abel Gutiérrez Ortega
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Ángel H Álvarez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, 44270, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
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24
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Aguilar-Díaz H, Quiroz-Castañeda RE, Cobaxin-Cárdenas M, Salinas-Estrella E, Amaro-Estrada I. Advances in the Study of the Tick Cattle Microbiota and the Influence on Vectorial Capacity. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:710352. [PMID: 34485437 PMCID: PMC8415903 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.710352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The information from the tick cattle microbiota suggests that the microbial populations may modulate a successful infection process of the tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, there is a need to know the microbial population and their interactions. In this mini-review, we present several examples of how microbiota regulates the survival of pathogens inside the tick and contributes to fitness, adaptation, and tick immunity, among others. The communication between the tick microbiota and the host microbiota is vital to understanding the pathogen transmission process. As part of the tick microbiota, the pathogen interacts with different microbial populations, including the microorganisms of the host microbiota. These interactions comprise a microsystem that regulates the vectorial capacity involved in tick-borne diseases. The knowledge we have about the vectorial capacity contributes to a better understanding of tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, using approaches based on multi-omics strategies applied to studying the microbiota and its microbiome allows the development of strategies to control ticks. The results derived from those studies reveal the dynamics of the microbiota and potential targets for anti-tick vaccine development. In this context, the anti-microbiota vaccines have emerged as an alternative with a good prognosis. Some strategies developed to control other arthropods vectors, such as paratransgenesis, could control ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Aguilar-Díaz
- Unidad de Artropodología del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Rosa Estela Quiroz-Castañeda
- Unidad de Anaplasmosis del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Mayra Cobaxin-Cárdenas
- Unidad de Anaplasmosis del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Salinas-Estrella
- Unidad de Anaplasmosis del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Itzel Amaro-Estrada
- Unidad de Anaplasmosis del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Morelos, Mexico
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25
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Three-Dimensional Culture of Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus BmVIII-SCC Cells on Multiple Synthetic Scaffold Systems and in Rotating Bioreactors. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080747. [PMID: 34442313 PMCID: PMC8396921 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tick cell culture facilitates research on the biology of ticks and their role as vectors of pathogens that affect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Because two-dimensional cell culture doesn't promote the development of multicellular tissue-like composites, we hypothesized that culturing tick cells in a three-dimensional (3-D) configuration would form spheroids or tissue-like organoids. In this study, the cell line BmVIII-SCC obtained from the cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1888), was cultured in different synthetic scaffold systems. Growth of the tick cells on macrogelatinous beads in rotating continuous culture system bioreactors enabled cellular attachment, organization, and development into spheroid-like aggregates, with evidence of tight cellular junctions between adjacent cells and secretion of an extracellular matrix. At least three cell morphologies were identified within the aggregates: fibroblast-like cells, small endothelial-like cells, and larger cells exhibiting multiple cytoplasmic endosomes and granular vesicles. These observations suggest that BmVIII-SCC cells adapted to 3-D culture retain pluripotency. Additional studies involving genomic analyses are needed to determine if BmVIII-SCC cells in 3-D culture mimic tick organs. Applications of 3-D culture to cattle fever tick research are discussed.
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van Oosterwijk JG, Wikel SK. Resistance to Ticks and the Path to Anti-Tick and Transmission Blocking Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:725. [PMID: 34358142 PMCID: PMC8310300 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The medical and veterinary public health importance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens is increasing due to the expansion of the geographic ranges of both ticks and pathogens, increasing tick populations, growing incidence of tick-borne diseases, emerging tick transmitted pathogens, and continued challenges of achieving effective and sustained tick control. The past decades show an increasing interest in the immune-mediated control of tick infestations and pathogen transmission through the use of vaccines. Bovine tick resistance induced by repeated infestations was reported over a century ago. This review addresses the phenomena and immunological underpinning of resistance to tick infestation by livestock and laboratory animals; the scope of tick countermeasures to host immune defenses; and the impact of genomics, functional genomics, and proteomics on dissecting complex tick-host-pathogen interactions. From early studies utilizing tick tissue extracts to salivary gland derived molecules and components of physiologically important pathways in tick gut and other tissues, an increased understanding of these relationships, over time, impacted the evolution of anti-tick vaccine antigen selection. Novel antigens continue to emerge, including increased interest in the tick microbiome. Anti-tick and transmission blocking vaccines targeting pathogen reservoirs have the potential to disrupt enzootic cycles and reduce human, companion, domestic animal, and wildlife exposure to infected ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen K. Wikel
- US Biologic Inc., 20 Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38103, USA;
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
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Rajendran KV, Neelakanta G, Sultana H. Sphingomyelinases in a journey to combat arthropod-borne pathogen transmission. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:1622-1638. [PMID: 33960414 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ixodes scapularis ticks feed on humans and other vertebrate hosts and transmit several pathogens of public health concern. Tick saliva is a complex mixture of bioactive proteins, lipids and immunomodulators, such as I. scapularis sphingomyelinase (IsSMase)-like protein, an ortholog of dermonecrotoxin SMase D found in the venom of Loxosceles spp. of spiders. IsSMase modulates the host immune response towards Th2, which suppresses Th1-mediated cytokines to facilitate pathogen transmission. Arboviruses utilize exosomes for their transmission from tick to the vertebrate host, and exosomes derived from tick saliva/salivary glands suppress C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 and interleukin-8 immune response(s) in human skin to delay wound healing and repair processes. IsSMase affects also viral replication and exosome biogenesis, thereby inhibiting tick-to-vertebrate host transmission of pathogenic exosomes. In this review, we elaborate on exosomes and their biogenesis as potential candidates for developing novel control measure(s) to combat tick-borne diseases. Such targets could help with the development of an efficient anti-tick vaccine for preventing the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kundave V Rajendran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Couto J, Seixas G, Stutzer C, Olivier NA, Maritz-Olivier C, Antunes S, Domingos A. Probing the Rhipicephalusbursa Sialomes in Potential Anti-Tick Vaccine Candidates: A Reverse Vaccinology Approach. Biomedicines 2021; 9:363. [PMID: 33807386 PMCID: PMC8067113 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the wake of the 'omics' explosion of data, reverse vaccinology approaches are being applied more readily as an alternative for the discovery of candidates for next generation diagnostics and vaccines. Promising protective antigens for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases can be discovered by mining available omics data for immunogenic epitopes. The present study aims to explore the previously obtained Rhipicephalus bursa sialotranscriptome during both feeding and Babesia infection, to select antigenic targets that are either membrane-associated or a secreted protein, as well as unique to the ectoparasite and not present in the mammalian host. Further, they should be capable of stimulating T and B cells for a potential robust immune response, and be non-allergenic or toxic to the host. From the R. bursa transcriptome, 5706 and 3025 proteins were identified as belonging to the surfaceome and secretome, respectively. Following a reverse genetics immunoinformatics pipeline, nine preferred candidates, consisting of one transmembrane-related and eight secreted proteins, were identified. These candidates showed a higher predicted antigenicity than the Bm86 antigen, with no homology to mammalian hosts and exposed regions. Only four were functionally annotated and selected for further in silico analysis, which examined their protein structure, surface accessibility, flexibility, hydrophobicity, and putative linear B and T-cell epitopes. Regions with overlapping coincident epitopes groups (CEGs) were evaluated to select peptides that were further analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics, potential allergenicity, toxicity, solubility, and potential propensity for crystallization. Following these procedures, a set of three peptides from the three R. bursa proteins were selected. In silico results indicate that the designed epitopes could stimulate a protective and long-lasting immune response against those tick proteins, reflecting its potential as anti-tick vaccines. The immunogenicity of these peptides was evaluated in a pilot immunization study followed by tick feeding to evaluate its impact on tick behavior and pathogen transmission. Combining in silico methods with in vivo immunogenicity evaluation enabled the screening of vaccine candidates prior to expensive infestation studies on the definitive ovine host animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Couto
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (G.S.); (A.D.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Seixas
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (G.S.); (A.D.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Christian Stutzer
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (C.S.); (C.M.-O.)
| | - Nicholas A. Olivier
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa;
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Christine Maritz-Olivier
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (C.S.); (C.M.-O.)
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (G.S.); (A.D.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (G.S.); (A.D.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
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29
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van Oosterwijk JG. Anti-tick and pathogen transmission blocking vaccines. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12831. [PMID: 33704804 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a challenge for medical and veterinary public health and often controlled through the use of repellents and acaricides. Research on vaccination strategies to protect humans, companion animals, and livestock from ticks and tick-transmitted pathogens has accelerated through the use of proteomic and transcriptomic analyses. Comparative analyses of unfed versus engorged and uninfected versus infected ticks have provided valuable insights into candidates for anti-tick and pathogen transmission blocking vaccines. An intricate interplay between tick saliva and the host's immune system has revealed potential antigens to be used in vaccination strategies. Immunization of hosts with targeted anti-tick vaccines would ideally lead to a reduction in tick numbers and prevent transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Comprehensive control of tick-borne diseases would come from successful anti-tick vaccination, vaccination preventing transmission of tick-borne diseases or a combination. Due to the close interaction with wildlife and ticks, with wildlife reservoirs enabling propagation of pathogens between ticks, the vaccination of these reservoirs is an attractive target to reduce human contact with ticks and tick-borne diseases through a one-health approach. Wildlife vaccination presents formulation and regulatory challenges which should be considered early in the development of reservoir-targeted vaccines.
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Pal U, Kitsou C, Drecktrah D, Yaş ÖB, Fikrig E. Interactions Between Ticks and Lyme Disease Spirochetes. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2020; 42:113-144. [PMID: 33289683 PMCID: PMC8045411 DOI: 10.21775/cimb.042.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato causes Lyme borreliosis in a variety of animals and humans. These atypical bacterial pathogens are maintained in a complex enzootic life cycle that primarily involves a vertebrate host and Ixodes spp. ticks. In the Northeastern United States, I. scapularis is the main vector, while wild rodents serve as the mammalian reservoir host. As B. burgdorferi is transmitted only by I. scapularis and closely related ticks, the spirochete-tick interactions are thought to be highly specific. Various borrelial and arthropod proteins that directly or indirectly contribute to the natural cycle of B. burgdorferi infection have been identified. Discrete molecular interactions between spirochetes and tick components also have been discovered, which often play critical roles in pathogen persistence and transmission by the arthropod vector. This review will focus on the past discoveries and future challenges that are relevant to our understanding of the molecular interactions between B. burgdorferi and Ixodes ticks. This information will not only impact scientific advancements in the research of tick- transmitted infections but will also contribute to the development of novel preventive measures that interfere with the B. burgdorferi life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, 8075 Greenmead Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, 8075 Greenmead Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Chrysoula Kitsou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, 8075 Greenmead Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Dan Drecktrah
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Özlem Büyüktanir Yaş
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Zeytinburnu, İstanbul, 34010, Turkey
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Almazán C, Šimo L, Fourniol L, Rakotobe S, Borneres J, Cote M, Peltier S, Mayé J, Versillé N, Richardson J, Bonnet SI. Multiple Antigenic Peptide-Based Vaccines Targeting Ixodes ricinus Neuropeptides Induce a Specific Antibody Response but Do Not Impact Tick Infestation. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110900. [PMID: 33126686 PMCID: PMC7693490 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic peptide vaccines were designed to target the neuropeptides innervating Ixodes ricinus salivary glands and hindgut and they were tested for their capacity to afford protective immunity against nymphs or larvae and Anaplasma phagocytophilum-infected nymph infestation, in mice and sheep, respectively. In both models, the assembly of SIFamide (SIFa) or myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) neuropeptides into multiple antigenic peptide constructs (MAPs) elicited a robust IgG antibody response following immunization. Nevertheless, no observable detrimental impact on nymphs was evidenced in mice, and, unfortunately, the number of engorged nymphs on sheep was insufficient for firm conclusions to be drawn, including for bacterial transmission. Regarding larvae, while vaccination of the sheep did not globally diminish tick feeding success or development, analyses of animals at the individual level revealed a negative correlation between anti-SIFa and MIP antibody levels and larva-to-nymph molting success for both antigens. Our results provide a proof of principle and precedent for the use of MAPs for the induction of immunity against tick peptide molecules. Although the present study did not provide the expected level of protection, it inaugurates a new strategy for protection against ticks based on the immunological targeting of key components of their nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo Almazán
- UMR BIPAR 0956, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, ANSES, Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.A.); (L.Š.); (L.F.); (S.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- UMR BIPAR 0956, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, ANSES, Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.A.); (L.Š.); (L.F.); (S.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Lisa Fourniol
- UMR BIPAR 0956, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, ANSES, Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.A.); (L.Š.); (L.F.); (S.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Sabine Rakotobe
- UMR BIPAR 0956, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, ANSES, Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.A.); (L.Š.); (L.F.); (S.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Jérémie Borneres
- SEPPIC Paris La Défense, 92250 La Garenne Colombes, France; (J.B.); (S.P.); (J.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Martine Cote
- UMR BIPAR 0956, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, ANSES, Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.A.); (L.Š.); (L.F.); (S.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Sandy Peltier
- SEPPIC Paris La Défense, 92250 La Garenne Colombes, France; (J.B.); (S.P.); (J.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Jennifer Mayé
- SEPPIC Paris La Défense, 92250 La Garenne Colombes, France; (J.B.); (S.P.); (J.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Nicolas Versillé
- SEPPIC Paris La Défense, 92250 La Garenne Colombes, France; (J.B.); (S.P.); (J.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Jennifer Richardson
- UMR Virologie 1161, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, ANSES, Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Sarah I. Bonnet
- UMR BIPAR 0956, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, ANSES, Paris-Est University, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.A.); (L.Š.); (L.F.); (S.R.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Bhowmick B, Lin F, Zhao J, Guan Q, Liao C, Han Q. An efficient high-welfare feeding device for assessing northern fowl mite interventions in vivo: an improved method for the identification of protective antigens/systemic acaricides/repellent effect. Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109279. [PMID: 33129185 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The northern fowl mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite of domestic and wild birds, and it is an economic pest of laying hen in North America, China, India, Australia, Myanmar, and Brazil. Such an economically important pest remains neglected in many parts of the world, including Asian countries. Therefore, concerted action is required in both basic and applied research directed at the biology and control of this destructive pest. In the present study, we have developed a novel, high-welfare in vivo feeding capsule that would permit pre-screening of new interventions, repellency and deterrence effects of plant-derived products and other semiochemical compounds before proceeding to large-scale field experiments/bioassays, while the minimum number of animals is required to obtain results. Mites were fed on the birds through either a mesh or without a mesh. The average feeding rates of mites was significantly higher when fed directly on chickens, whereas 106 μm nylon mesh was the top-performing mesh when compared with 125 μm aperture nylon mesh. For optimal feeding, the feeding capsules contain NFM and are attached to the skin of the chicken's thigh for 6 h. This is a simple, reproducible, and easy approach and can be adapted to facilitate many aspects of bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Bhowmick
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Fang Lin
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Qingfeng Guan
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
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Huang Y, Li H, Wang C, Xu X, Yu H, Meng J, Qi X, Wang B, Pan B. De novo assembly and discovery of genes related to blood digestion in the transcriptome of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae). Vet Parasitol 2020; 286:109246. [PMID: 32992158 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dermanyssus gallinae is an economically important blood-feeding ectoparasite affecting layer chicken farms in many countries. Similar to other blood-feeding arthropods, the blood-meal digestion plays a key role in the survival and reproduction of D. gallinae. The knowledge of the genes involved in blood digestion processes may provide new targets for drug and vaccine against the red mites. In the present study, we sequenced and de novo assembled the transcriptomes of unfed and fed adult red mites using Illumina RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Up to 40,506 unigenes were assembled, and 13,018 unigenes were identified and annotated. GO analysis of the annotated unigenes clustered into three main GO terms. The dominant GO terms of biological processes were cellular process and metabolic process, the prevailing GO terms of the cellular component were cell part and membrane part, and the dominant GO terms of molecular functions were catalytic and binding activities. Up to 6,443 annotated sequences were assigned to 246 active pathways by KEGG analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis identified 2,877 unigenes with upregulated 2,094 and downregulated 783 in fed female mites compared with unfed female mites. The biological function of these DEGs was further investigated using the KEGG and GO databases. The upregulated DEGs were potentially involved in nutrient metabolism, highlighting their importance in red mite biology. Quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validated that the expression levels of the selected six upregulated DEGs were consistent with those in RNA-seq, indicating that the transcriptomic data are reliable. The present study provides valuable and fundamental knowledge that improves our understanding of the physiology of D. gallinae digestion at a molecular level. Moreover, these transcriptomic data will facilitate the identification of novel function genes and candidate antigens for the development of effective vaccines or drug targets to control D. gallinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chuanwen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - He Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jali Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bohan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Baoliang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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