Tick anti-hemostatics: targets for future vaccines and therapeutics

Trends Parasitol. 2007 Sep;23(9):397-407. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.07.005. Epub 2007 Jul 26.

Abstract

For ticks, a significant obstacle in obtaining a blood meal is counteracting the hemostatic system of the host. To this end, ticks have developed a broad array of anti-hemostatics, which is reflected in the presence of structurally related tick proteins with different functions. Disruption of blood flow which blocks successful tick feeding makes anti-hemostatics attractive targets for anti-tick vaccines. Moreover, the limited number of drugs currently available for a range of important cardio-vascular diseases makes ticks a potential source of novel therapeutics. This review aims to summarize the key features of tick anti-hemostatics, their structures, mode of action and possible future application as vaccines and novel therapeutic agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticoagulants / metabolism
  • Arachnid Vectors / parasitology
  • Arachnid Vectors / physiology*
  • Bites and Stings / prevention & control
  • Feeding Behavior / drug effects
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides / metabolism
  • Tick Control / methods*
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / prevention & control
  • Ticks / parasitology
  • Ticks / physiology*
  • Vaccination / methods*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides