Tick-Encoded serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins); potential target antigens for tick vaccine development

J Vet Med Sci. 2001 Oct;63(10):1063-9. doi: 10.1292/jvms.63.1063.

Abstract

Immunological protection of hosts against tick infestation is at present the most practically sustainable alternative tick control method to the current use of acaricides that is riddled with serious limitations. The current focus of tick vaccine research is the identification, cloning and in vitro production of recombinant tick vaccine candidate antigens. We have examined a selected number of reports on the roles of parasite-encoded members of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) superfamily in modulation of mammalian anti-parasite defense and developed some food for thought commentaries on the possibility of targeting this class of proteins for anti-tick vaccine development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Rabbits
  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides / immunology
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / genetics
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / immunology*
  • Serpins / chemistry
  • Serpins / genetics
  • Serpins / immunology*
  • Tick Infestations / immunology
  • Tick Infestations / prevention & control
  • Ticks / immunology*
  • Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Serpins
  • Vaccines