Early transcriptomic changes at the skin interface during Powassan virus transmission by <i>Ixodes scapularis</i> ticks.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Powassan virus (POWV), a vector-borne pathogen transmitted by Ixodes ticks in North America, is the causative agent of Powassan encephalitis. As obligate hematophagous organisms, ticks transmit pathogens like POWV at the tick bite site, specifically during the initial stages of feeding. Tick feeding and salivary factors modulate the host's immunological responses, facilitating blood feeding and pathogen transmission. However, the mechanisms of immunomodulation during POWV transmission remain inadequately understood. In this study, we investigated the global cutaneous transcriptomic changes associated with tick bites during POWV transmission.

Methods

We collected skin biopsies from the tick attachment sites at 1, 3, and 6 h after feeding by POWV-infected a

SUBMITTER: Paine DN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11769802 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature