Immune defenses of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Characterization of innate immune signaling pathways in the tick Ixodes scapularis
Researchers will map how the blacklegged tick's immune system responds to bacteria that cause Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to help prevent infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11412448 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks inside tick cells to learn which genes and immune pathways help ticks resist or carry disease-causing microbes. Scientists will use tick cell cultures, compare tick genes to those of other insects, and apply single-cell RNA sequencing to identify immune cell types and signals. They will also use new molecular genetic tools developed for ticks to test which pathways matter for allowing or blocking pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The goal is to find specific tick immune mechanisms that could be targeted to reduce pathogen transmission to people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This laboratory research does not enroll patients, but people at high risk of tick exposure (for example, those living or working in wooded areas) are the population most likely to benefit in the future.
Not a fit: Patients currently seeking treatment for an active tick-borne infection would not receive direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to block pathogens inside ticks and reduce human cases of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
How similar studies have performed: Early work using molecular genetics and single-cell RNA sequencing in ticks has produced promising initial findings, but applying these approaches to map tick immune pathways is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perrimon, Norbert — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Perrimon, Norbert
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.