How tick signaling controls spread of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis
Signaling Pathways Regulating Vector Immune-Developmental Cascades
This work looks for molecules on black-legged ticks that could become vaccine targets to stop ticks from passing Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11267993 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers examine how black-legged ticks sense proteins in a blood meal and how those signals change the tick's immune response and development. They use the tick Ixodes scapularis in laboratory experiments combining genetic, biochemical, and microbiological methods to trace signaling pathways triggered by host factors like interferon‑gamma and adiponectin. The team tests whether disrupting extracellular signaling components in ticks reduces survival or transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The ultimate aim is to identify tick surface targets that could be turned into vaccines or other interventions to block transmission to people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live, work, or recreate in regions with black-legged ticks and are at risk for Lyme disease or anaplasmosis would be the most relevant candidates if this work advances to human trials.
Not a fit: People with infections already established, conditions unrelated to tick-borne pathogens, or those not exposed to tick habitats may not directly benefit from this tick-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to vaccines or interventions that prevent ticks from transmitting Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to people.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies have found some promising anti-tick targets, but human vaccines to block tick-borne transmission remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pal, Utpal — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Pal, Utpal
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 below.