Anaplasma-infected ticks: how the little bacterium helps itself survive and spread
Official title: Anaplasma Phagocytophilum Modulate Tick Gene Expression for its Survival and Transmission from the Vector Host
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-11351028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A human-relevant tick pathogen study explores how Anaplasma phagocytophilum modulates tick biology to survive and move from ticks into people and animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $357,080 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI130116-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11351028 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Anyone at risk for tick bites or tick-borne Anaplasma infection could benefit from future prevention strategies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits are unlikely until downstream prevention or therapeutic approaches are developed.
What this research studies
This project investigates how Anaplasma phagocytophilum alters tick gene expression and metabolism to improve its own survival and transmission. Researchers have built on prior work showing the bacterium affects a tick protein (IsOATP4056) and the tryptophan pathway, leading to the production of metabolites that reduce harmful reactive oxygen species. The study uses molecular and cellular approaches in tick cells and tick–bacteria systems to map these interactions and test the impact of immune-related pathways on transmission. Results could clarify new targets to interrupt transmission from ticks to vertebrate hosts, potentially reducing human and animal infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how the bacterium strengthens its grip in ticks could lead to strategies that block transmission to people and pets.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in the same area showed that targeting tick pathways can impair transmission, suggesting a promising, though still developing, approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neelakanta, Girish — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Neelakanta, Girish
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.