Potential of mRNA-based vaccines for the control of tick-borne pathogens in one health perspective.

The One Health approach, which integrates the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems at various levels, is crucial for addressing interconnected health threats. This is complemented by the advent of mRNA vaccines, which have revolutionized disease prevention. They offer broad-spectrum effectiveness and can be rapidly customized to target specific pathogens. Their utility extends beyond human medicine, showing potential in veterinary practices to control diseases and reduce the risk of zoonotic transmissions. This review place mRNA vaccines and One Health in the context of tick-borne diseases. The potential of these vaccines to confer cross-species immunity is significant, potentially disrupting zoonotic disease transmission cycles and protecting the health of both humans and animals, while reducing tick populations, infestations and circulation of pathogens. The development and application of mRNA vaccines for tick and tick-borne pathogens represent a comprehensive strategy in global health, fostering a healthier ecosystem for all species in our interconnected world.

Human antibodies in Mexico and Brazil neutralizing tick-borne flaviviruses.

Flaviviruses such as dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and yellow fever virus (YFV) are spread by mosquitoes and cause human disease and mortality in tropical areas. In contrast, Powassan virus (POWV), which causes severe neurologic illness, is a flavivirus transmitted by ticks in temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere. We find serologic neutralizing activity against POWV in individuals living in Mexico and Brazil. Monoclonal antibodies P002 and P003, which were derived from a resident of Mexico (where POWV is not reported), neutralize POWV lineage I by recognizing an epitope on the virus envelope domain III (EDIII) that is shared with a broad range of tick- and mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Our findings raise the possibility that POWV, or a flavivirus closely related to it, infects humans in the tropics.

Tick bites, IgE to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose and urticarial or anaphylactic reactions to mammalian meat: The alpha-gal syndrome.

The recent recognition of a syndrome of tick-acquired mammalian meat allergy has transformed the previously held view that mammalian meat is an uncommon allergen. The syndrome, mediated by IgE antibodies against the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), can also involve reactions to visceral organs, dairy, gelatin and other products, including medications sourced from non-primate mammals. Thus, fittingly, this allergic disorder is now called the alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). The syndrome is strikingly regional, reflecting the important role of tick bites in sensitization, and is more common in demographic groups at risk of tick exposure. Reactions in AGS are delayed, often by 2-6 h after ingestion of mammalian meat. In addition to classic allergic symptomatology such as urticaria and anaphylaxis, AGS is increasingly recognized as a cause of isolated gastrointestinal morbidity and alpha-gal sensitization has also been linked with cardiovascular disease. The unusual link with tick bites may be explained by the fact that allergic cells and mediators are mobilized to the site of tick bites and play a role in resistance against ticks and tick-borne infections. IgE directed to alpha-gal is likely an incidental consequence of what is otherwise an adaptive immune strategy for host defense against endo- and ectoparasites, including ticks.

Ascaris lumbricoides and ticks associated with sensitization to galactose α1,3-galactose and elicitation of the alpha-gal syndrome.

BACKGROUND: IgE to galactose alpha-1,3 galactose (alpha-gal) causes alpha-gal syndrome (delayed anaphylaxis after ingestion of mammalian meat). Development of sensitization has been attributed to tick bites; however, the possible role of other parasites has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to assess the presence, relative abundances, and site of localization of alpha-gal-containing proteins in common ectoparasites and endoparasites endemic in an area of high prevalence of alpha-gal syndrome, as well as to investigate the ability of ascaris antigens to elicit a reaction in a humanized rat basophil in vitro sensitization model. METHODS: Levels of total IgE, Ascaris-specific IgE, and alpha-gal IgE were measured in sera from patients with challenge-proven alpha-gal syndrome and from controls without allergy. The presence, concentration, and localization of alpha-gal in parasites were assessed by ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The ability of Ascaris lumbricoides antigen to elicit IgE-dependent reactivity was demonstrated by using the RS-ATL8 basophil reporter system. RESULTS: Alpha-gal IgE level correlated with A lumbricoides-specific IgE level. Alpha-gal protein at 70 to 130 kDa was detected in A lumbricoides at concentrations higher than those found in Rhipicephalus evertsi and Amblyomma hebraeum ticks. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize alpha-gal in tick salivary acini and the helminth gut. Non-alpha-gal-containing A lumbricoides antigens activated RS-ATL8 basophils primed with serum from subjects with alpha-gal syndrome. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the presence, relative abundances, and site of localization of alpha-gal-containing proteins in parasites. The activation of RS-ATL8 IgE reporter cells primed with serum from subjects with alpha-gal syndrome on exposure to non-alpha-gal-containing A lumbricoides proteins indicates a possible role of exposure to A lumbricoides in alpha-gal sensitization and clinical reactivity.

An mRNA-based anti-tick vaccine catches ticks red-handed.

An anti-tick mRNA cocktail vaccine promotes tick detachment and prevents transmission of tick-borne infection in guinea pigs (Sajid et al.).

Synthesis, LC-MS/MS analysis, and biological evaluation of two vaccine candidates against ticks based on the antigenic P0 peptide from R. sanguineus linked to the p64K carrier protein from Neisseria meningitidis.

A peptide from the P0 acidic ribosomal protein (pP0) of ticks conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin from Megathura crenulata has shown to be effective against different tick species when used in host vaccination. Turning this peptide into a commercial anti-tick vaccine will depend on finding the appropriate, technically and economically feasible way to present it to the host immune system. Two conjugates (p64K-Cys1pP0 and p64K-ßAla1pP0) were synthesized using the p64K carrier protein from Neisseria meningitidis produced in Escherichia coli, the same cross-linking reagent, and two analogues of pP0. The SDS-PAGE analysis of p64K-Cys1pP0 showed a heterogeneous conjugate compared to p64K-ßAla1pP0 that was detected as a protein band at 91kDa. The pP0/p64K ratio determined by MALDI-MS for p64K-Cys1pP0 ranged from 1 to 8, being 3-5 the predominant ratio, while in the case of p64K-ßAla1pP0 this ratio was 5-7. Cys1pP0 was partially linked to 35 out of 39 Lys residues and the N-terminal end, while ßAla1pP0 was mostly linked to the six free cysteine residues, to the N-terminal end, and, in a lesser extent, to Lys residues. The assignment of the conjugation sites and side reactions were based on the identification of type 2 peptides. Rabbit immunizations showed the best anti-pP0 titers and the highest efficacy against Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks when the p64K-Cys1pP0 was used as vaccine antigen. The presence of high molecular mass aggregates observed in the SDS-PAGE analysis of p64K-Cys1pP0 could be responsible for a better immune response against pP0 and consequently for its better efficacy as an anti-tick vaccine. Graphical abstract.

Translational biotechnology for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBD) represent a challenge for human and animal health worldwide. Climate change, distribution of tick hosts, and ecological and anthropogenically-induced changes contribute to the geographic expansion of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Traditional control methods are based on the use of acaricides to reduce tick infestations, but vaccines represent a more effective, sustainable and environmentally sound approach for the control of ticks and TBD. Recent application of omics technologies to the study of the mechanisms involved in tick-host-pathogen interactions have advanced the characterization of molecular mechanisms involved in TBD and the identification of candidate vaccine protective antigens. However, as discussed in this opinion paper, translational biotechnology may translate into novel interventions required to advance in addressing the challenge that ticks and TBD represent for world health and economy.

Tick-human interactions: from allergic klendusity to the α-Gal syndrome.

Ticks and the pathogens they transmit, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths, constitute a growing burden for human and animal health worldwide. The ability of some animal species to acquire resistance to blood-feeding by ticks after a single or repeated infestation is known as acquired tick resistance (ATR). This resistance has been associated to tick-specific IgE response, the generation of skin-resident memory CD4+ T cells, basophil recruitment, histamine release, and epidermal hyperplasia. ATR has also been associated with protection to tick-borne tularemia through allergic klendusity, a disease-escaping ability produced by the development of hypersensitivity to an allergen. In addition to pathogen transmission, tick infestation in humans is associated with the α-Gal syndrome (AGS), a type of allergy characterized by an IgE response against the carbohydrate Galα1-3Gal (α-Gal). This glycan is present in tick salivary proteins and on the surface of tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agents of Lyme disease and granulocytic anaplasmosis. Most α-Gal-sensitized individuals develop IgE specific against this glycan, but only a small fraction develop the AGS. This review summarizes our current understanding of ATR and its impact on the continuum α-Gal sensitization, allergy, and the AGS. We propose that the α-Gal-specific IgE response in humans is an evolutionary adaptation associated with ATR and allergic klendusity with the trade-off of developing AGS.

Blocking Borrelia burgdorferi transmission from infected ticks to nonhuman primates with a human monoclonal antibody.

Disrupting transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (B. burgdorferi) from infected ticks to humans is one strategy to prevent the significant morbidity from Lyme disease. We have previously shown that an anti-OspA human mAb, 2217, prevents transmission of B. burgdorferi from infected ticks in animal models. Maintenance of a protective plasma concentration of a human mAb for tick season presents a significant challenge for a preexposure prophylaxis strategy. Here, we describe the optimization of mAb 2217 by amino acid substitutions (2217LS: M428L and N434S) in the Fc domain. The LS mutation led to a 2-fold increase in half-life in cynomolgus monkeys. In a rhesus macaque model, 2217LS protected animals from tick transmission of spirochetes at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Crystallographic analysis of Fab in complex with OspA revealed that 2217 bound an epitope that was highly conserved among the B. burgdorferi, B. garinii, and B. afzelii species. Unlike most vaccines that may require boosters to achieve protection, our work supports the development of 2217LS as an effective preexposure prophylaxis in Lyme-endemic regions, with a single dose at the beginning of tick season offering immediate protection that remains for the duration of exposure risk.

Induced Transient Immune Tolerance in Ticks and Vertebrate Host: A Keystone of Tick-Borne Diseases?

Ticks and tick transmitted infectious agents are increasing global public health threats due to increasing abundance, expanding geographic ranges of vectors and pathogens, and emerging tick-borne infectious agents. Greater understanding of tick, host, and pathogen interactions will contribute to development of novel tick control and disease prevention strategies. Tick-borne pathogens adapt in multiple ways to very different tick and vertebrate host environments and defenses. Ticks effectively pharmacomodulate by its saliva host innate and adaptive immune defenses. In this review, we examine the idea that successful synergy between tick and tick-borne pathogen results in host immune tolerance that facilitates successful tick infection and feeding, creates a favorable site for pathogen introduction, modulates cutaneous and systemic immune defenses to establish infection, and contributes to successful long-term infection. Tick, host, and pathogen elements examined here include interaction of tick innate immunity and microbiome with tick-borne pathogens; tick modulation of host cutaneous defenses prior to pathogen transmission; how tick and pathogen target vertebrate host defenses that lead to different modes of interaction and host infection status (reservoir, incompetent, resistant, clinically ill); tick saliva bioactive molecules as important factors in determining those pathogens for which the tick is a competent vector; and, the need for translational studies to advance this field of study. Gaps in our understanding of these relationships are identified, that if successfully addressed, can advance the development of strategies to successfully disrupt both tick feeding and pathogen transmission.

Anti-tick and pathogen transmission blocking vaccines.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a challenge for medical and veterinary public health and often controlled through the use of repellents and acaricides. Research on vaccination strategies to protect humans, companion animals, and livestock from ticks and tick-transmitted pathogens has accelerated through the use of proteomic and transcriptomic analyses. Comparative analyses of unfed versus engorged and uninfected versus infected ticks have provided valuable insights into candidates for anti-tick and pathogen transmission blocking vaccines. An intricate interplay between tick saliva and the host's immune system has revealed potential antigens to be used in vaccination strategies. Immunization of hosts with targeted anti-tick vaccines would ideally lead to a reduction in tick numbers and prevent transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Comprehensive control of tick-borne diseases would come from successful anti-tick vaccination, vaccination preventing transmission of tick-borne diseases or a combination. Due to the close interaction with wildlife and ticks, with wildlife reservoirs enabling propagation of pathogens between ticks, the vaccination of these reservoirs is an attractive target to reduce human contact with ticks and tick-borne diseases through a one-health approach. Wildlife vaccination presents formulation and regulatory challenges which should be considered early in the development of reservoir-targeted vaccines.

Experimental Challenge of Sheep and Cattle with Dugbe Orthonairovirus, a Neglected African Arbovirus Distantly Related to CCHFV.

Dugbe orthonairovirus (DUGV) is a tick-borne arbovirus within the order Bunyavirales. DUGV was first isolated in Nigeria, but virus isolations in ten further African countries indicate that DUGV is widespread throughout Africa. Humans can suffer from a mild febrile illness, hence, DUGV is classified as a biosafety level (BSL) 3 agent. In contrast, no disease has been described in animals, albeit serological evidence exists that ruminants are common hosts and may play an important role in the transmission cycle of this neglected arbovirus. In this study, young sheep and calves were experimentally inoculated with DUGV in order to determine their susceptibility and to study the course of infection. Moreover, potential antibody cross-reactivities in currently available diagnostic assays for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) were assessed as DUGV is distantly related to CCHFV. Following subcutaneous inoculation, none of the animals developed clinical signs or viremia. However, all ruminants seroconverted, as demonstrated by two DUGV neutralization test formats (micro-virus neutralization test (mVNT), plaque reduction (PRNT)), by indirect immunofluorescence assays and in bovines by a newly developed DUGV recombinant N protein ELISA. Sera did not react in commercial CCHFV ELISAs, whereas cross-reactivities were observed by immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays.

Tick Immune System: What Is Known, the Interconnections, the Gaps, and the Challenges.

Ticks are ectoparasitic arthropods that necessarily feed on the blood of their vertebrate hosts. The success of blood acquisition depends on the pharmacological properties of tick saliva, which is injected into the host during tick feeding. Saliva is also used as a vehicle by several types of pathogens to be transmitted to the host, making ticks versatile vectors of several diseases for humans and other animals. When a tick feeds on an infected host, the pathogen reaches the gut of the tick and must migrate to its salivary glands via hemolymph to be successfully transmitted to a subsequent host during the next stage of feeding. In addition, some pathogens can colonize the ovaries of the tick and be transovarially transmitted to progeny. The tick immune system, as well as the immune system of other invertebrates, is more rudimentary than the immune system of vertebrates, presenting only innate immune responses. Although simpler, the large number of tick species evidences the efficiency of their immune system. The factors of their immune system act in each tick organ that interacts with pathogens; therefore, these factors are potential targets for the development of new strategies for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. The objective of this review is to present the prevailing knowledge on the tick immune system and to discuss the challenges of studying tick immunity, especially regarding the gaps and interconnections. To this end, we use a comparative approach of the tick immune system with the immune system of other invertebrates, focusing on various components of humoral and cellular immunity, such as signaling pathways, antimicrobial peptides, redox metabolism, complement-like molecules and regulated cell death. In addition, the role of tick microbiota in vector competence is also discussed.

The antiviral immunity of ticks against transmitted viral pathogens.

Ticks, being obligate hematophagous arthropods, are exposed to various blood-borne pathogens, including arboviruses. Consequently, their feeding behavior can readily transmit economically important viral pathogens to humans and animals. With this tightly knit vector and pathogen interaction, the replication and transmission of tick-borne viruses (TBVs) must be highly regulated by their respective tick vectors to avoid any adverse effect on the ticks' biological development and viability. Knowledge about the tick-virus interface, although gaining relevant advances in recent years, is advancing at a slower pace than the scientific developments related to mosquito-virus interactions. The unique and complicated feeding behavior of ticks, compared to that of other blood-feeding arthropods, also limits the studies that would further elaborate the antiviral immunity of ticks against TBVs. Hence, knowledge of molecular and cellular immune mechanisms at the tick-virus interface, will further elucidate the successful viral replication of TBVs in ticks and their effective transmission to human and animal hosts.

Diagnostic testing for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, United States, 2010 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an emerging immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). The geographic distribution and burden of AGS in the United States are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To characterize alpha-gal IgE testing patterns and describe the trends and distribution from 2010 to 2018 in the United States. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included all persons tested for alpha-gal IgE antibodies by Viracor-IBT Laboratories (Lee's Summit, Missouri), the primary site of testing in the United States. Data included age and sex of person tested, specimen state of origin, collection date, and result value; persons with at least 1 positive test result (≥0.1 kU/L) were compared with negatives. Proportions tested and with positive test results were calculated using the US Census population estimates. RESULTS: Overall, 122,068 specimens from 105,674 persons were tested for alpha-gal IgE during July 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018. Nearly one-third (34,256, 32.4%) had at least 1 positive result. The number of persons receiving positive test results increased 6-fold from 1110 in 2011 to 7798 in 2018. Of those receiving positive test results, mean [SD] age was 46.9 (19.8) years; men were more likely to test positive than women (43.3% vs 26.0%). Arkansas, Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Missouri had the highest number of persons who were tested and had a positive result per 100,000 population. CONCLUSION: More than 34,000 persons, most presumably symptomatic, have received positive test results for IgE antibodies to alpha-gal, suggesting AGS is an increasingly recognized public health problem. The geographic distribution of persons who tested positive is consistent with exposure to Amblyomma americanum ticks.

Tick hypersensitivity and human tick-borne diseases.

Immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to ticks and other arthropods are well documented. Hypersensitivity to ixodid (hard bodied) ticks is especially important because they transmit infection to humans throughout the world and are responsible for most vector-borne diseases in the United States. The causative pathogens of these diseases are transmitted in tick saliva that is secreted into the host while taking a blood meal. Tick salivary proteins inhibit blood coagulation, block the local itch response and impair host anti-tick immune responses, which allows completion of the blood meal. Anti-tick host immune responses are heightened upon repeated tick exposure and have the potential to abrogate tick salivary protein function, interfere with the blood meal and prevent pathogen transmission. Although there have been relatively few tick bite hypersensitivity studies in humans compared with those in domestic animals and laboratory animal models, areas of human investigation have included local hypersensitivity reactions at the site of tick attachment and generalized hypersensitivity reactions. Progress in the development of anti-tick vaccines for humans has been slow due to the complexities of such vaccines but has recently accelerated. This approach holds great promise for future prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Tick-virus interactions: Current understanding and future perspectives.

Ticks are the primary vector of arboviruses in temperate climates worldwide. They are both the vector of these pathogens to humans and an integral component of the viral sylvatic cycle. Understanding the tick-pathogen interaction provides information about the natural maintenance of these pathogens and informs the development of countermeasures against human infection. In this review, we discuss currently available information on tick-viral interactions within the broader scope of general tick immunology. While the tick immune response to several pathogens has been studied extensively, minimal work centres on responses to viral infection. This is largely due to the high pathogenicity of tick-borne viruses; this necessitates high-containment laboratories or low-pathogenicity substitute viruses. This has biased most research towards tick-borne flaviviruses. More work is required to fully understand the role of tick-virus interaction in sylvatic cycling and transmission of diverse tick-borne viruses.

Tick peptides evoke itch by activating MrgprC11/MRGPRX1 to sensitize TRPV1 in pruriceptors.

BACKGROUND: Tick bites severely threaten human health because they allow the transmission of many deadly pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Pruritus is a leading symptom of tick bites, but its molecular and neural bases remain elusive. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to discover potent drugs and targets for the specific prevention and treatment of tick bite-induced pruritus and arthropod-related itch. METHODS: We used live-cell calcium imaging, patch-clamp recordings, and genetic ablation and evaluated mouse behavior to investigate the molecular and neural bases of tick bite-induced pruritus. RESULTS: We found that 2 tick salivary peptides, IP defensin 1 (IPDef1) and IR defensin 2 (IRDef2), induced itch in mice. IPDef1 was further revealed to have a stronger pruritogenic potential than IRDef2 and to induce pruritus in a histamine-independent manner. IPDef1 evoked itch by activating mouse MrgprC11 and human MRGPRX1 on dorsal root ganglion neurons. IPDef1-activated MrgprC11/X1 signaling sensitized downstream ion channel TRPV1 on dorsal root ganglion neurons. Moreover, IPDef1 also activated mouse MrgprB2 and its ortholog human MRGPRX2 selectively expressed on mast cells, inducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and driving acute inflammation in mice, although mast cell activation did not contribute to oxidated IPDef1-induced itch. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identifies tick salivary peptides as a new class of pruritogens that initiate itch through MrgprC11/X1-TRPV1 signaling in pruritoceptors. Our work will provide potential drug targets for the prevention and treatment of pruritus induced by the bites or stings of tick and maybe other arthropods.

The role of basophils in acquired protective immunity to tick infestation.

Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that transmit a variety of pathogens to host animals and humans, causing severe infectious diseases such as Lyme disease. In a certain combination of animal and tick species, tick infestation elicits acquired immunity against ticks in the host, which can reduce the ability of ticks to feed on blood and to transmit pathogens in the following tick infestations. Therefore, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of acquired tick resistance (ATR) can advance the development of anti-tick vaccines to prevent tick infestation and tick-borne diseases. Basophils are a minor population of white blood cells circulating in the bloodstream and are rarely observed in peripheral tissues under steady-state conditions. Basophils have been reported to accumulate at tick-feeding sites during re-infestation in cattle, rabbits, guinea pigs and mice. Selective ablation of basophils resulted in a loss of ATR in guinea pigs and mice, illuminating the essential role of basophils in the manifestation of ATR. In this review, we discuss the recent advance in the elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying basophil recruitment to the tick-feeding site and basophil-mediated ATR.