Exploring the impact of on colonization resistance of microbiota using network node manipulation.

Upon ingestion from an infected host, tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) have to overcome colonization resistance, a defense mechanism by which tick microbiota prevent microbial invasions. Previous studies have shown that the pathogen alters the microbiota composition of the nymphs of , but its impact on tick colonization resistance remains unclear. We analyzed tick microbiome genetic data using published Illumina 16S rRNA sequences, assessing microbial diversity within ticks (alpha diversity) through species richness, evenness, and phylogenetic diversity.

Lock and Key: Why Endosymbionts Do Not Harm Vertebrate Hosts?

Are tick endosymbionts transmitted to and able to injure vertebrate hosts [...

The intracellular bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii exerts an inhibitory effect on the apoptosis of tick cells.

Background: Rickettsia rickettsii is a tick-borne obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a life-threatening illness. To obtain an insight into the vector-pathogen interactions, we assessed the effects of infection with R. rickettsii on the proteome cells of the tick embryonic cell line BME26.

A tick cell line as a powerful tool to screen the antimicrobial susceptibility of the tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma marginale.

Anaplasma marginale is the causative agent of the severe bovine anaplasmosis. The tick Rhipicephalus microplus is one of the main vectors of A. marginale in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Salivary PGE Modulates the Dendritic Cell- Interactions and .

is an important vector of , causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the most lethal tick-borne pathogen affecting humans. To feed on the vertebrate host's blood, secretes a salivary mixture, which may interact with skin resident dendritic cells (DCs) and modulate their function. The present work was aimed at depicting the saliva-host DC network and the biochemical nature of the immunomodulatory component(s) involved in this interface.

Immune-related redox metabolism of embryonic cells of the tick Rhipicephalus microplus (BME26) in response to infection with Anaplasma marginale.

Background: It is well known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are involved in the control of pathogens and microbiota in insects. However, the knowledge of the role of ROS and RNS in tick-pathogen and tick-microbiota interactions is limited. Here, we evaluated the immune-related redox metabolism of the embryonic cell line BME26 from the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus in response to Anaplasma marginale infection.