When feeding on vertebrate host ticks (ectoparasitic arthropods and potential vectors of bacterial, rickettsial, protozoal, and viral diseases) induce both innate and specific acquired host-immune reactions as part of anti-tick defenses. In a resistant host immune defense can lead to reduced tick viability, sometimes resulting in tick death. Tick responds to the host immune attack by secreting saliva containing pharmacologically active molecules and modulating host immune response. Tick saliva-effected immunomodulation at the attachment site facilitates both tick feeding and enhances the success of transmission of pathogens from tick into the host. On the other hand, host immunization with antigens from tick saliva can induce anti-tick resistance and is seen to be able to induce immunity against pathogens transmitted by ticks. Many pharmacological properties of saliva described in ticks are shared widely among other blood-feeding arthropods.

• MeSH
• Arachnid Vectors MeSH
• Immunity drug effects   MeSH
• Tick Infestations immunology   MeSH
• Host-Parasite Interactions drug effects   immunology   MeSH
• Ticks chemistry   immunology   microbiology   MeSH
• Tick-Borne Diseases immunology   transmission   MeSH
• Salivary Proteins and Peptides pharmacology   MeSH
• Salivary Glands physiology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Salivary Proteins and Peptides MeSH