Characterization of three Ixodes scapularis cDNAs protective against
tick infestations.

Almazan C, Blas-Machado U, Kocan KM, Yoshioka JH, Blouin EF, Mangold
AJ, de la Fuente J.

Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health
Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.

cDNA expression library immunization (ELI) and analysis of expressed
sequenced tags (EST) in a mouse model of tick infestations was used to
identified cDNA clones that affected I. scapularis. Three protective
antigens against larval tick infestations, 4F8, with homology to a
nucleotidase, and 4D8 and 4E6 of unknown function, were selected for
further characterization. All three antigens were expressed in all I.
scapularis stages and localized in {*filter*} tick tissues. 4D8 was shown to
be conserved in six other tick species. Based on immunization trials
with synthetic polypeptides against larvae and nymphs and on artificial
feeding experiments of {*filter*}s, these antigens, especially 4D8, appear
to be good candidates for continued development of a vaccine for
control of tick infestations and may be useful in a formulation to
target multiple species of ticks.

PMID: 16005748 [PubMed - in process]

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