Cystatin antibodies interfere with ovary development in Haemaphysalis doenitzi (Acari: Ixodidae).

ABSTRACT: Anti-tick vaccines are gaining attention as a strategy to prevent tick infestations by activating the immune response of the host. Antibodies produced by the host inhibit tick growth and reproduction, but the molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of cystatin antibodies on the ovarian function of Haemaphysalis doenitzi. Histological analysis revealed that exposure to cystatin antibodies resulted in a significant reduction in the number of eggs produced and caused severe damage to the ovarian tissue structure. Immunofluorescence experiments confirmed the significant expression of cystatin within the ovary. Proteomics and phosphoproteomics identified 31 and 10 differentially expressed proteins in the relevant pathways, respectively. These chan

SUBMITTER: Zhang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12057904 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature