2024
Salp14 epitope-based mRNA vaccination induces early recognition of a tick bite
Cui Y, Cibichakravarthy B, Tang X, Alameh M, Dwivedi G, Weissman D, Fikrig E. Salp14 epitope-based mRNA vaccination induces early recognition of a tick bite. Vaccine 2024, 42: 126304. PMID: 39236403, PMCID: PMC11416896, DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126304.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTick bite siteGuinea pigsMRNA-LNPMRNA vaccinesBite siteImmunized guinea pigsTiters of IgGIxodes scapularis ticksDevelopment of erythemaLipid nanoparticlesSkin of guinea pigsI. scapularisTicksErythemaHistamine activityPigsTick bitesCarboxyl terminusRepeated exposureExposure of animalsAmino acidsSalivary proteinsVaccineMRNAGuinea
2023
Adiponectin in the mammalian host influences ticks’ acquisition of the Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia
Tang X, Cao Y, Booth C, Arora G, Cui Y, Matias J, Fikrig E. Adiponectin in the mammalian host influences ticks’ acquisition of the Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia. PLOS Biology 2023, 21: e3002331. PMID: 37862360, PMCID: PMC10619873, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002331.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAdipocyte-derived hormoneBite siteAdiponectin-deficient miceInfiltration of neutrophilsTick bite sitePro-inflammatory responseWild-type animalsIxodes scapularis ticksIL-1βVascular leakageHistamine releaseTick biteAdiponectinInfectious diseasesLyme disease agentBlood feeding arthropodsBorrelia burgdorferiScapularis ticksAnimal infectious diseasesBlood feedingB. burgdorferi survivalHuman bloodHormonePathogen acquisitionMammalian hosts
2022
Immunization of guinea pigs with cement extract induces resistance against Ixodes scapularis ticks
Lynn GE, Černý J, Kurokawa C, Diktaş H, Matias J, Sajid A, Arora G, DePonte K, Narasimhan S, Fikrig E. Immunization of guinea pigs with cement extract induces resistance against Ixodes scapularis ticks. Ticks And Tick-borne Diseases 2022, 13: 102017. PMID: 35963188, DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102017.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTick salivaAnti-tick vaccinesTick-host interfaceSpecific protective antigensTick engorgement weightIxodes scapularis ticksTick speciesTick feedingEngorgement weightFeeding ticksHost resistanceTickborne pathogensDisease agentsAnimal hostsIxodes scapularisFemale I. scapularisI. scapularisScapularis ticksTicksImportant vectorTick detachmentPrimary vectorMidgut extractsProtective antigenHematophagous parasites
2021
Tick immunity using mRNA, DNA and protein-based Salp14 delivery strategies
Matias J, Kurokawa C, Sajid A, Narasimhan S, Arora G, Diktas H, Lynn GE, DePonte K, Pardi N, Valenzuela JG, Weissman D, Fikrig E. Tick immunity using mRNA, DNA and protein-based Salp14 delivery strategies. Vaccine 2021, 39: 7661-7668. PMID: 34862075, PMCID: PMC8671329, DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.11.003.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTick bite siteTick immunityAntigen deliveryBite siteGuinea pigsDevelopment of vaccinesIxodes scapularis ticksProtein immunizationAntibody responseTick biteVaccine platformLipid nanoparticlesMRNA lipid nanoparticlesMRNA-LNPModel antigenTick salivaEarly hallmarkImmunityTick-borne diseasesScapularis ticksTick challengeErythemaSalivary componentsFactor XaDelivery strategies
2018
Visualization of Microbiota in Tick Guts by Whole-mount In Situ Hybridization.
Moss CE, Robson A, Fikrig E, Narasimhan S. Visualization of Microbiota in Tick Guts by Whole-mount In Situ Hybridization. Journal Of Visualized Experiments 2018 PMID: 29912204, PMCID: PMC6101453, DOI: 10.3791/57758.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTick gutComplex microbial communitiesSitu hybridizationSequencing-based methodsTick genesVector microbiotaMicrobial communitiesParticular bacterial speciesRNA transcriptsResident microorganismsTarget RNAInterspecies interactionsBacterial speciesArthropod vectorsResident bacteriaHuman pathogensMicrobiota interactionsPathogen transmissionTick transmissionIxodes scapularis ticksVector-borne diseasesTick feedingPathogensIntact tissueMicrobiota
2017
Pathogen-mediated manipulation of arthropod microbiota to promote infection
Abraham NM, Liu L, Jutras BL, Yadav AK, Narasimhan S, Gopalakrishnan V, Ansari JM, Jefferson KK, Cava F, Jacobs-Wagner C, Fikrig E. Pathogen-mediated manipulation of arthropod microbiota to promote infection. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2017, 114: e781-e790. PMID: 28096373, PMCID: PMC5293115, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1613422114.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTerminal D-alanine residueHuman pathogensPathogen-mediated manipulationNumerous human pathogensCapacity of bacteriaWay microbesArthropod microbiotaD-alanine residuesA. phagocytophilumAntibacterial proteinsPeritrophic matrixBacterial biofilm formationGut microbiotaMolecular mechanismsBacterial peptidoglycanPentapeptide chainBiofilm formationIAFGPIxodes scapularis ticksDiverse infectious agentsHuman granulocytic anaplasmosisMicrobiotaProteinAntifreeze glycoproteinsAnaplasma phagocytophilum
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
2011
Molecular Interactions that Enable Movement of the Lyme Disease Agent from the Tick Gut into the Hemolymph
Zhang L, Zhang Y, Adusumilli S, Liu L, Narasimhan S, Dai J, Zhao YO, Fikrig E. Molecular Interactions that Enable Movement of the Lyme Disease Agent from the Tick Gut into the Hemolymph. PLOS Pathogens 2011, 7: e1002079. PMID: 21695244, PMCID: PMC3111543, DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002079.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLyme disease agentB. burgdorferi burdenTick gutOuter surface lipoproteinsTick gut proteinsSalivary gland infectionIxodes scapularis ticksInfection resultsMouse infectionDisease agentsGland infectionLyme diseaseBorrelia burgdorferiScapularis ticksB. burgdorferiCausative agentInfectionBurgdorferiGutGut proteinsSpirochetesTick hemolymphTicksAgentsHemolymph
2010
Anaplasma phagocytophilum induces actin phosphorylation to selectively regulate gene transcription in Ixodes scapularis ticks
Sultana H, Neelakanta G, Kantor FS, Malawista SE, Fish D, Montgomery RR, Fikrig E. Anaplasma phagocytophilum induces actin phosphorylation to selectively regulate gene transcription in Ixodes scapularis ticks. Journal Of Experimental Medicine 2010, 207: 1727-1743. PMID: 20660616, PMCID: PMC2916137, DOI: 10.1084/jem.20100276.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsActinsAnaplasma phagocytophilumAnimalsCell LineCell NucleusEnzyme InhibitorsGastrointestinal TractGene ExpressionGene Expression RegulationGTP-Binding Protein beta SubunitsGTP-Binding Protein gamma SubunitsInsect ProteinsIxodesP21-Activated KinasesPhosphatidylinositol 3-KinasesPhosphoinositide-3 Kinase InhibitorsPhosphorylationPromoter Regions, GeneticProtein BindingRNA InterferenceRNA Polymerase IISalivary GlandsSalivary Proteins and PeptidesSignal TransductionTATA-Box Binding ProteinTranscription, GeneticConceptsRNA polymerase IIActin phosphorylationTATA box-binding proteinNuclear G-actinPhosphorylation of actinP21-activated kinaseA. phagocytophilumA. phagocytophilum survivalTick cell linesIxodes scapularis ticksPolymerase IIPhosphorylated actinGene crucialGbetagamma subunitsGene transcriptionFilamentous actinAnaplasma phagocytophilumGene expressionBacterial acquisitionScapularis ticksPhosphorylationG-actinIntracellular pathogensMedical importanceActinSEASONAL PREVALENCE OF SERUM ANTIBODIES TO WHOLE CELL AND RECOMBINANT ANTIGENS OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI AND ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM IN WHITE-TAILED DEER IN CONNECTICUT
Magnarelli LA, Williams SC, Fikrig E. SEASONAL PREVALENCE OF SERUM ANTIBODIES TO WHOLE CELL AND RECOMBINANT ANTIGENS OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI AND ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM IN WHITE-TAILED DEER IN CONNECTICUT. Journal Of Wildlife Diseases 2010, 46: 781-790. PMID: 20688684, DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-46.3.781.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombinant antigensInfected Ixodes scapularis ticksCoexistence of antibodiesAnaplasma phagocytophilumRespective causative agentsTick-borne infectionsEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assayIndirect fluorescent antibodyHuman granulocytic anaplasmosisPolyvalent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assaysIxodes scapularis ticksWhole blood samplesAntibody titersCurrent infectionWhole-cell B. burgdorferiBorrelia burgdorferi sensu strictoSerum antibodiesTotal antibodyBlood samplesHigher antibodyBurgdorferi sensu strictoSpecific recombinant antigensLyme borreliosisDeer seraImmunosorbent assay
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 ResearchConceptsIxodes 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
2005
Seroprevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cats.
Magnarelli LA, Bushmich SL, IJdo JW, Fikrig E. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cats. American Journal Of Veterinary Research 2005, 66: 1895-9. PMID: 16334946, DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.1895.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombinant antigensSerum antibodiesB. burgdorferiHealthy catsBorrelia burgdorferiSeroprevalence of antibodiesWestern blot testingAnaplasma phagocytophilumA. phagocytophilumB. burgdorferi antigensWhole cell antigenA. phagocytophilum infectionIndirect fluorescent antibody stainingWestern blot analysisIxodes scapularis ticksSeropositivity rateWhole-cell B. burgdorferiSerum reactivityIll catsFluorescent antibody stainingClinical relevanceSera reactiveSpecific recombinant antigensMost catsOuter surface proteins
2004
Disruption of Ixodes scapularis anticoagulation by using RNA interference
Narasimhan S, Montgomery RR, DePonte K, Tschudi C, Marcantonio N, Anderson JF, Sauer JR, Cappello M, Kantor FS, Fikrig E. Disruption of Ixodes scapularis anticoagulation by using RNA interference. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2004, 101: 1141-1146. PMID: 14745044, PMCID: PMC337020, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0307669100.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAnti-factor Xa activityNumerous infectious diseasesIxodes scapularis ticksRNA interferenceMultiple anticoagulantsReduction of mRNAXa activityVaccine candidatesInfectious diseasesTick salivaAnticoagulantsBabesia microtiPhysiologic functionI. scapularis salivaSalivary glandsBorrelia burgdorferiTick feedingScapularis ticksAnticoagulant activityAnaplasma phagocytophilumTick engorgementSuch interventionsEngorgement weightEngorgementKey target
2002
Examination 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
Arthropod- 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
1996
Novel Borrelia burgdorferi isolates from Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes dentatus ticks feeding on humans
Anderson JF, Flavell RA, Magnarelli LA, Barthold SW, Kantor FS, Wallich R, Persing DH, Mathiesen D, Fikrig E. Novel Borrelia burgdorferi isolates from Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes dentatus ticks feeding on humans. Journal Of Clinical Microbiology 1996, 34: 524-529. PMID: 8904407, PMCID: PMC228839, DOI: 10.1128/jcm.34.3.524-529.1996.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLate Lyme diseaseBorrelia burgdorferiScapularis ticksPulsed-field gel electrophoresis patternsWhite-footed miceIxodes scapularis ticksB. burgdorferi sensu strictoI. scapularis ticksBurgdorferi sensu strictoLyme diseaseMonoclonal antibodiesGel electrophoresis patternsI. scapularisRestriction fragment length polymorphismFragment length polymorphismMicePrevious isolatesZS7Strain B31