Immunomodulatory Effects of Saliva on Bovine Cells: Characterization of Cellular Responses and Identification of Molecular Determinants.

The tropical bont tick, , is a tick species of veterinary importance and is considered as one of major pest of ruminants in Africa and in the Caribbean. It causes direct skin lesions, transmits heartwater, and reactivates bovine dermatophilosis. Tick saliva is reported to affect overall host responses through immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory molecules, among other bioactive molecules.