Understanding How Tick Saliva Spreads Infections
Tick Saliva and Pathogen Transmission
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11133042
This research explores how tick saliva helps spread germs that cause diseases, focusing on the tiny molecules that affect our bodies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11133042 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Ticks are tiny creatures that can pass on diseases when they bite. Their saliva contains special substances that can change how our body reacts, for example, by reducing pain or inflammation, or affecting blood clotting. These changes help the tick feed and also make it easier for disease-causing germs to enter our bodies. This project looks closely at tiny packages within tick saliva, called extracellular vesicles, and how they interact with our skin cells, especially those important for healing. By understanding these interactions, we hope to find new ways to stop ticks from spreading infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have been affected by tick-borne diseases or are at risk of them may ultimately benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing tick-borne diseases and protecting people from infections.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous successful work by the same team, which identified how tick saliva components interact with host cells to aid pathogen transmission.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PEDRA, JOAO — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: PEDRA, JOAO
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.