Role of immune cell subsets in the establishment of vector-borne infections.

Many of the pathogens responsible for diseases that result in both economic and global health burdens are transmitted by arthropod vectors in the course of a blood meal. In the past, these vectors were viewed mainly as simple delivery vehicles but the appreciation of the role that factors in the saliva of vectors play during pathogen transmission is increasing. Vector saliva proteins alter numerous physiological events in the skin; in addition, potent immunomodulatory properties are attributed to arthropod saliva. The description of specific factors responsible for these activities and their mechanisms of action have thus far remained mostly anecdotal. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) sponsored a workshop in May 2012 to explore novel approaches aimed at identifying how vector saliva components affect the function of various immune cell subsets and the subsequent impact on the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Such knowledge could guide the development of novel drugs, vaccines and other strategies to block the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. This meeting report summarizes the discussions of the gaps/challenges which represent attractive research opportunities with significant translational potential.

Immunological consequences of arthropod vector-derived salivary factors.

Diseases, such as malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis and tick-borne encephalitis, affect a substantial percentage of the world's population and continue to result in significant morbidity and mortality. One common aspect of these diseases is that the pathogens that cause them are transmitted by the bite of an infected arthropod (e.g. mosquito, sand fly, tick). The pathogens are delivered into the skin of the mammalian host along with arthropod saliva, which contains a wide variety of bioactive molecules. These saliva components are capable of altering hemostasis and immune responses and may contribute to the ability of the pathogen to establish an infection. The biological and immunological events that occur during pathogen transmission are poorly understood but may hold the key to novel approaches to prevent transmission and/or infection. In May 2011, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Health and Human Services hosted a workshop entitled Immunological Consequences of Vector-Derived Factors which brought together experts in skin immunology, parasitology and vector biology to outline the gaps in our understanding of the process of pathogen transmission, to explore new approaches to control pathogen transmission, and to initiate and foster multidisciplinary collaborations among these investigators.

NIAID workshop on immunity to malaria: addressing immunological challenges.

The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases convened a workshop of malaria investigators and immunologists to foster collaborations and attract more immunologists into malaria research. Discussions highlighted research gaps and underscored the incomplete understanding of basic immune mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of or protection against malaria.