Understanding Tick Defenses Against Germs
The Tick Immune Response During Microbial Infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11065487
This project explores how ticks fight off germs that cause diseases like Lyme and anaplasmosis, aiming to learn more about how these illnesses spread.
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-11065487 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Ticks, like the deer tick, carry many germs that can make people sick, including those causing Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. We are learning how the tick's own defense system works to fight off these germs, which is a new area of understanding compared to what we know about insects. Our previous work found a special defense network in ticks and showed it's important for fighting off Lyme disease and anaplasmosis germs. This new phase will look at how the tick's metabolism, or how it uses energy, affects its ability to fight off these infections. By understanding these basic processes, we hope to find new ways to stop ticks from spreading diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients affected by tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease or anaplasmosis are the ultimate beneficiaries of this research.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by tick-borne diseases would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This foundational work could lead to new strategies for preventing tick-borne diseases in humans by targeting how ticks transmit infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has made significant progress, identifying key defense mechanisms in ticks and resulting in several scientific publications.
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.