2023
Dome1–JAK–STAT signaling between parasite and host integrates vector immunity and development
Rana V, Kitsou C, Dutta S, Ronzetti M, Zhang M, Bernard Q, Smith A, Tomás-Cortázar J, Yang X, Wu M, Kepple O, Li W, Dwyer J, Matias J, Baljinnyam B, Oliver J, Rajeevan N, Pedra J, Narasimhan S, Wang Y, Munderloh U, Fikrig E, Simeonov A, Anguita J, Pal U. Dome1–JAK–STAT signaling between parasite and host integrates vector immunity and development. Science 2023, 379: eabl3837. PMID: 36634189, PMCID: PMC10122270, DOI: 10.1126/science.abl3837.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBlood meal acquisitionMetazoan developmentTick receptorArthropod immunityMammalian hostsSignaling pathwaysReceptor motifEvolutionary dependenceVectorial competenceStem cellsCommunication pathwaysPathwayCritical roleVector immunityHostHigh affinityGenomeAntimicrobial componentsHedgehogJAKMotifMetamorphosisImmunityParasitesPhysiology
2020
Interactions Between Ticks and Lyme Disease Spirochetes.
Pal U, Kitsou C, Drecktrah D, Yaş ÖB, Fikrig E. Interactions Between Ticks and Lyme Disease Spirochetes. Current Issues In Molecular Biology 2020, 42: 113-144. PMID: 33289683, PMCID: PMC8045411, DOI: 10.21775/cimb.042.113.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsComplex enzootic life cycleEnzootic life cycleMammalian reservoir hostsMolecular interactionsLife cycleDiscrete molecular interactionsVariety of animalsRelated ticksVertebrate hostsLyme disease spirocheteArthropod vectorsSensu latoPathogen persistenceWild rodentsBacterial pathogensReservoir hostsCritical roleTick-transmitted infectionsMain vectorNortheastern United StatesPast discoveriesHostTicksArthropodsSpirochetesNaturally Acquired Resistance to Ixodes scapularis Elicits Partial Immunity against Other Tick Vectors in a Laboratory Host
Lynn GE, Diktas H, DePonte K, Fikrig E. Naturally Acquired Resistance to Ixodes scapularis Elicits Partial Immunity against Other Tick Vectors in a Laboratory Host. American Journal Of Tropical Medicine And Hygiene 2020, 104: 175-183. PMID: 33258439, PMCID: PMC7790098, DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0776.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsArachnid VectorsDisease SusceptibilityGuinea PigsIxodesLaboratory Animal ScienceTick InfestationsConceptsTick speciesTick vectorEngorgement weightHost resistanceMultiple tick speciesAnti-tick vaccinesImportant tick speciesImportant tick vectorAbility of ticksTransmission of pathogensTick resistanceTick challengeTick attachmentTick salivaTicksForm of immunityLaboratory hostPrimary speciesEconomic productionGuinea pig modelNorth AmericaSpeciesPartial immunityPathogensHostAn Ixodes scapularis Protein Disulfide Isomerase Contributes to Borrelia burgdorferi Colonization of the Vector
Cao Y, Rosen C, Arora G, Gupta A, Booth CJ, Murfin KE, Cerny J, Lopez A, Chuang YM, Tang X, Pal U, Ring A, Narasimhan S, Fikrig E. An Ixodes scapularis Protein Disulfide Isomerase Contributes to Borrelia burgdorferi Colonization of the Vector. Infection And Immunity 2020, 88: 10.1128/iai.00426-20. PMID: 32928964, PMCID: PMC7671890, DOI: 10.1128/iai.00426-20.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTick gutTick bite siteVector-host interfaceAbility of spirochetesProtein disulfide isomerase A3Infected vertebrate hostsInflammatory responseBite siteLyme diseaseVertebrate hostsGutTick proteinsAdditional targetsMiceSpirochete life cycleSpirochete survivalArthropod vectorsSpirochetesRNA interferenceIllnessTicks
2019
Borrelia burgdorferi chemotaxis toward tick protein Salp12 contributes to acquisition
Murfin KE, Kleinbard R, Aydin M, Salazar SA, Fikrig E. Borrelia burgdorferi chemotaxis toward tick protein Salp12 contributes to acquisition. Ticks And Tick-borne Diseases 2019, 10: 1124-1134. PMID: 31204044, PMCID: PMC7792743, DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.06.002.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2014
Gut Microbiota of the Tick Vector Ixodes scapularis Modulate Colonization of the Lyme Disease Spirochete
Narasimhan S, Rajeevan N, Liu L, Zhao YO, Heisig J, Pan J, Eppler-Epstein R, DePonte K, Fish D, Fikrig E. Gut Microbiota of the Tick Vector Ixodes scapularis Modulate Colonization of the Lyme Disease Spirochete. Cell Host & Microbe 2014, 15: 58-71. PMID: 24439898, PMCID: PMC3905459, DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2013.12.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPeritrophic matrixTranscription factor signal transducerPathogen colonizationLyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferiActivator of transcriptionGut microbiotaArthropod gutsSignal transducerLyme disease spirocheteFunctional linkArthropod vectorsMajor vectorKey glycoproteinsHuman pathogensSpirochete Borrelia burgdorferiGut epitheliumIxodes scapularis ticksColonizationGut epithelial barrierMicrobiotaExpressionGut lumenScapularis ticksBorrelia burgdorferiEpithelial barrier
2010
Fucosylation enhances colonization of ticks by Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Pedra JH, Narasimhan S, Rendić D, DePonte K, Bell‐Sakyi L, Wilson IB, Fikrig E. Fucosylation enhances colonization of ticks by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Cellular Microbiology 2010, 12: 1222-1234. PMID: 20331643, PMCID: PMC3250644, DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2010.01464.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsA. phagocytophilumAnaplasma phagocytophilumHuman granulocytic anaplasmosisBacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilumGranulocytic anaplasmosisPathological processesTick feedingPhagocytophilumMicrobial pathogenesisNovel mechanismPathogen colonizationTick cellsFucosylated structuresTicksPathogen invasionPathogenesisLyme borreliosis vaccination: the facts, the challenge, the future
Schuijt TJ, Hovius JW, van der Poll T, van Dam AP, Fikrig E. Lyme borreliosis vaccination: the facts, the challenge, the future. Trends In Parasitology 2010, 27: 40-47. PMID: 20594913, DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.06.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBorrelia burgdorferi sensu lato groupPrevalent arthropod-borne diseaseAnti-tick vaccinesLyme borreliosisArthropod-borne diseaseSensu lato groupTick proteinsTick vectorIxodes ticksNovel vaccination strategiesTicksMammalian hostsVaccination strategiesLyme diseaseVaccine candidatesBorreliosisBorrelia antigensVaccineAntigenDiseaseBorreliaOuter membrane proteinsWestern worldFuture candidatesSpirochetes
2009
Passage through Ixodes scapularis Ticks Enhances the Virulence of a Weakly Pathogenic Isolate of Borrelia burgdorferi
Adusumilli S, Booth CJ, Anguita J, Fikrig E. Passage through Ixodes scapularis Ticks Enhances the Virulence of a Weakly Pathogenic Isolate of Borrelia burgdorferi. Infection And Immunity 2009, 78: 138-144. PMID: 19822652, PMCID: PMC2798202, DOI: 10.1128/iai.00470-09.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsArachnid VectorsBorrelia burgdorferiIxodesLyme DiseaseMiceMice, Inbred C3HNymphVirulenceConceptsIxodes scapularis ticksCommon tick-borne illnessScapularis ticksTick-borne illnessB. burgdorferi sensu strictoC3H miceBurgdorferi sensu strictoLyme diseaseMiceHigh expression levelsBorrelia burgdorferiB. burgdorferiTick engorgementExpression levelsSpirochetesDiseaseArray analysisSyringe inoculationBurgdorferiPathogenic isolatesIsolatesI. scapularisArthritisVirulencePathogenesis
2007
Tick–host–pathogen interactions in Lyme borreliosis
Hovius JW, van Dam AP, Fikrig E. Tick–host–pathogen interactions in Lyme borreliosis. Trends In Parasitology 2007, 23: 434-438. PMID: 17656156, DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.07.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVertebrate hostsB. burgdorferi survivalB. burgdorferi genesEnzootic life cycleSpirochete survivalGene productsB. burgdorferiArthropod vectorsGenesVector moleculesLife cycleDifferent environmentsHostBorrelia burgdorferiIxodes ticksTROSPATicksSpirochetal agentBurgdorferiLyme borreliosisMicrobesSalp15ExpressionSurvival
2006
Borrelia burgdorferi–Traveling incognito?
Fikrig E, Narasimhan S. Borrelia burgdorferi–Traveling incognito? Microbes And Infection 2006, 8: 1390-1399. PMID: 16698304, DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.12.022.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus Statements
2004
OspB Antibody Prevents Borrelia burgdorferi Colonization of Ixodes scapularis
Fikrig E, Pal U, Chen M, Anderson JF, Flavell RA. OspB Antibody Prevents Borrelia burgdorferi Colonization of Ixodes scapularis. Infection And Immunity 2004, 72: 1755-1759. PMID: 14977984, PMCID: PMC356050, DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.3.1755-1759.2004.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2003
Adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi in the vector and vertebrate host
Pal U, Fikrig E. Adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi in the vector and vertebrate host. Microbes And Infection 2003, 5: 659-666. PMID: 12787742, DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(03)00097-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsComplex enzootic cycleUnique adaptive featuresDifferent host environmentsAdaptation of BorreliaMolecular adaptationsRegulatory mechanismsB. burgdorferiHost environmentSensu latoEnzootic cycleExtracellular pathogensDomestic animalsAdaptive featuresBorrelia burgdorferi sensu latoHostBurgdorferi sensu latoCausative agentDiverse rangeArthropodsAdaptationLatoBurgdorferiPathogensLyme diseaseBorrelia
2002
Molecular Adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi in the Murine Host
Liang FT, Nelson FK, Fikrig E. Molecular Adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi in the Murine Host. Journal Of Experimental Medicine 2002, 196: 275-280. PMID: 12119353, PMCID: PMC2193918, DOI: 10.1084/jem.20020770.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLipoprotein geneMolecular adaptationsHost immune selection pressureAnalysis of expressionNovel adaptation mechanismSteps of adaptationSelection pressureLyme disease spirocheteB. burgdorferiMurine hostGenesHost tissuesImmune selection pressureAdaptation mechanismsChronic infectionMurine infectionCritical stepHostBorrelia burgdorferiInfectionAdaptationSpirochetesBurgdorferiInitial inoculumPathogensExamination of the Borrelia burgdorferi Transcriptome in Ixodes scapularis during Feeding
Narasimhan S, Santiago F, Koski RA, Brei B, Anderson JF, Fish D, Fikrig E. Examination of the Borrelia burgdorferi Transcriptome in Ixodes scapularis during Feeding. Journal Of Bacteriology 2002, 184: 3122-3125. PMID: 12003955, PMCID: PMC135063, DOI: 10.1128/jb.184.11.3122-3125.2002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBorrelia burgdorferi gene expressionB. burgdorferi genesPeriplasmic proteinsSignal transductionChromosomal genesPutative lipoproteinSubstrate transportGene expressionDifferential expressionGenesEnergy metabolismIxodes scapularis ticksGlobal analysisIxodes scapularisScapularis ticksExpressionTranscriptomeTransductionTicksProteinFeedingMetabolismScapularis
2001
OspA Immunization Decreases Transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi Spirochetes from Infected Peromyscus leucopus Mice to Larval Ixodes scapularis Ticks
Tsao J, Barbour A, Luke C, Fikrig E, Fish D. OspA Immunization Decreases Transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi Spirochetes from Infected Peromyscus leucopus Mice to Larval Ixodes scapularis Ticks. Vector-Borne And Zoonotic Diseases 2001, 1: 65-74. PMID: 12653137, DOI: 10.1089/153036601750137705.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAnimals, WildAntibodies, BacterialAntigens, SurfaceArachnid VectorsBacterial Outer Membrane ProteinsBacterial VaccinesBorrelia burgdorferiDisease ReservoirsDose-Response Relationship, ImmunologicEnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent AssayFluorescent Antibody Technique, DirectHost-Parasite InteractionsIxodesLarvaLipoproteinsLyme DiseasePeromyscusConceptsControl miceUninfected larval ticksInfection prevalenceLarval Ixodes scapularis ticksB. burgdorferiNumber of spirochetesEnzyme-linked immunosorbentBorrelia burgdorferi spirochetesLevel of immunizationReservoir hostsConcentration of antibodyBorrelia burgdorferi transmissionIxodes scapularis ticksSecond vaccinationImmunized miceInfected miceLarval ticksPrior infectionVaccination programSubsequent riskDecrease transmissionOspA vaccinationDirect immunofluorescenceImmune responseXenodiagnostic ticks
2000
Attachment of Borrelia burgdorferi within Ixodes scapularis mediated by outer surface protein A
Pal U, de Silva A, Montgomery R, Fish D, Anguita J, Anderson J, Lobet Y, Fikrig E. Attachment of Borrelia burgdorferi within Ixodes scapularis mediated by outer surface protein A. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2000, 106: 561-569. PMID: 10953031, PMCID: PMC380253, DOI: 10.1172/jci9427.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchArthropod- and Host-Specific Borrelia burgdorferi bbk32 Expression and the Inhibition of Spirochete Transmission
Fikrig E, Feng W, Barthold S, Telford S, Flavell R. Arthropod- and Host-Specific Borrelia burgdorferi bbk32 Expression and the Inhibition of Spirochete Transmission. The Journal Of Immunology 2000, 164: 5344-5351. PMID: 10799897, DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.164.10.5344.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSpirochete transmissionLyme borreliosisB. burgdorferi infectionB. burgdorferi transmissionMechanisms of immunityIxodes scapularis ticksCutaneous sitesImmunized miceSpirochete numbersBurgdorferi infectionMurine infectionMurine hostMiceInfectionMRNA levelsScapularis ticksB. burgdorferiTick engorgementMurine tissuesVector-borne diseasesBorreliosisAdult ticksAntiserumBBK32Regulated expression
1999
Influence of Outer Surface Protein A Antibody onBorrelia burgdorferi within Feeding Ticks
de Silva A, Zeidner N, Zhang Y, Dolan M, Piesman J, Fikrig E. Influence of Outer Surface Protein A Antibody onBorrelia burgdorferi within Feeding Ticks. Infection And Immunity 1999, 67: 30-35. PMID: 9864192, PMCID: PMC96273, DOI: 10.1128/iai.67.1.30-35.1999.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntibody levelsSalivary glandsAntibody titersOspA antibodiesBorrelia burgdorferiLow antibody levelsNumber of spirochetesDensity of spirochetesEnzyme-linked immunosorbentFeeding ticksSurface protein AAbility of spirochetesOuter surface protein AProtective epitopesCompetitive enzyme-linked immunosorbentOuter surface proteinsSpirochetal agentLyme diseaseAntibodiesB. burgdorferiTitersIxodes ticksGlandBurgdorferiSpirochetesBorrelia burgdorferi erpT expression in the arthropod vector and murine host
Fikrig E, Chen M, Barthold S, Anguita J, Feng W, Telford S, Flavell R. Borrelia burgdorferi erpT expression in the arthropod vector and murine host. Molecular Microbiology 1999, 31: 281-290. PMID: 9987129, DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.1999.01171.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsArachnid VectorsBacterial ProteinsBorrelia burgdorferi GroupFemaleGene ExpressionMiceMice, Inbred C3HTicksConceptsRNA polymerase chain reactionPolymerase chain reactionB. burgdorferi-infected miceBurgdorferi-infected miceB. burgdorferiMurine infectionChain reactionMurine hostImmunization of miceExtracutaneous sitesDifferential antibodyPersistent infectionArthropod vectorsIndirect immunofluorescenceBSK II mediumMiceImmunofluorescence studiesInfectionBurgdorferiAntibodiesAntigenBorrelia burgdorferi genesSmall minorityMammalian hostsNorthern blot