Molecular Basis Of Tick Saliva Proteins Effects On Macrophage Function

Abstract

Abstract Ticks are medically important ectoparasites and transmit many tick borne diseases. Tick feeding and transmission of TBD agents start with the tick penetrating host skin and is aided by immune-modulatory tick salivary components. Macrophages are critical early responders in host defense after neutrophils and have profound effect on host defense mechanisms against ticks. Combatting the inflammatory mechanisms directed by macrophages is one task that ticks face during feeding. To address the possibility that ticks affect macrophage function, we previously screened effects of 15 recombinant TSPs. This analysis found pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammation TSPs. Of significant interest anti-inflammation rTSPs reversed pro-inflammation rTSP activation of macrophages. To investigate the molecular basis of this response, we carried out a systematic examination of the transcriptional gene expression in these macrophages in response to the rTSPs. We found a remarkable program of gene expression induced/suppressed specifically by pro- and anti-inflammatory rTSPs. An intricately choreographed expression pattern devoted to immunity, locomotion, response due to stimulus and adhesion was a prominent feature of this response. Our finding indicate that meshwork of host molecules respond to pro- and anti-inflammation rTSPs. Our analysis reveal a complex and intimate relationship between host and ticks.