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What Are the Different Uses of Tick Saliva?

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins

Though ticks hold the potential to spread a range of harmful diseases to the human population, tick saliva could hold the key to treating several life-threatening ailments. Scientific research at the beginning of the 21st century is beginning to present clues that a certain protein in the spit of ticks, called rEV576, might reduce the progress of a severe degenerative disease called myasthenia gravis. Other studies have found anti-cancerous qualities in the protein of a South American tick's saliva and maybe even a potential vaccine for the lyme disease that ticks are known to pass to humans or other animals.

A 2009 article in the Annals of Neurology journal details a study by researchers at Saint Louis University that showed tick saliva to be a so-called complement inhibitor. These substances are known to improve response in the body's neuromuscular nerve receptors, which are impeded in patients with myasthenia gravis — a disorder that causes muscular weakness, poor eyesight and labored breathing. Scientists hope to develop a drug, called EN101antisense, that works to reverse the effects of this disorder, which affects about 500 out of every 1,000,000 people.

A tick.
A tick.

The tick saliva from a certain South American species, Amblyomma cajennense, also has been proven to leave vital tissue alone while killing cancerous cells. According to a 2009 study by researchers at Brazil's Instituto Butantan, a protein isolated from the saliva, known as Factor X active, was responsible for completely eradicating tumors in lab rats within 42 days. As with the myasthenia gravis research, however, it could take years more to develop a medication suitable for human trials.

Deer tick saliva is well-known for spreading Lyme disease.
Deer tick saliva is well-known for spreading Lyme disease.

Ticks are not known to be progenitors of good human health. In addition to lyme disease from deer ticks, many other diseases have been known to be spread by tick saliva, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and a form of encephalitis. More than just humans are susceptible, as bovine babeiosis, or Texas fever, can nearly eradicate a herd in weeks.

Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.
Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.

Though many diseases spread through tick saliva take only about an hour to be transmitted through a bite, others like lyme disease take as long as a full day to pass from the insect to the new host. This factor gives some scientists hope that they can isolate the approximate 400 proteins in tick saliva and find a way to create a vaccine to keep people from contracting lyme disease in the first place. Research into this facet of immunology began in 1994.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the medicinal properties of tick saliva?

Tick saliva contains compounds with anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and immune-modulating properties. These substances can potentially be harnessed for medical applications, such as treating heart disease, stroke, and autoimmune conditions by preventing blood clots and modulating the immune response.

How is tick saliva used in scientific research?

Researchers study tick saliva to understand how ticks evade host immune systems, which can lead to the development of new vaccines or treatments for diseases. For instance, the discovery of proteins in tick saliva that inhibit pain and itch responses has implications for creating novel analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Can tick saliva be used to treat diseases?

Yes, the bioactive molecules in tick saliva are being investigated for treating various diseases. For example, the anticoagulant properties of tick saliva are being explored for new blood-thinning medications to prevent heart attacks and strokes, as these compounds can be more targeted and potentially have fewer side effects than current treatments.

What makes tick saliva a source for potential pharmaceuticals?

Tick saliva is a rich source of bioactive molecules evolved to manipulate host tissue responses, making it a valuable resource for drug discovery. These molecules can inspire new pharmaceuticals that mimic their ability to modulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clotting, offering therapeutic avenues for a range of conditions.

Is there any ongoing research into tick saliva-based treatments?

Ongoing research is actively exploring tick saliva-based treatments. Scientists are investigating specific proteins and peptides within tick saliva that could lead to the development of new drugs for treating chronic pain, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, as well as improving vaccine delivery systems.

What are the challenges in using tick saliva for medical purposes?

One of the main challenges is isolating and synthesizing the active components of tick saliva in sufficient quantities for medical use. Additionally, ensuring these compounds are safe and effective in humans requires extensive clinical testing. There's also the task of overcoming public apprehension towards using substances derived from pests like ticks.

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    • A tick.
      By: Carolina K Smith MD
      A tick.
    • Deer tick saliva is well-known for spreading Lyme disease.
      By: epantha
      Deer tick saliva is well-known for spreading Lyme disease.
    • Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.
      By: Viktor
      Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.