Phylogenomics of Tick Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels and Their Potential as Targets to Innovate Control Technologies

Abstract

This study was conducted to enhance the identification of novel targets to develop acaricides that can be used to advance integrated tick-borne disease management. Drivers for the emergence and re-emergence of tick-borne diseases affecting humans, livestock, and other domestic animals in many parts of the world include the increased abundance and expanded geographic distribution of tick species that vector pathogens. The evolution of resistance to acaricides among some of the most important tick vector species highlights the vulnerability of relying on chemical treatments for tick control to mitigate the health burden of tick-borne diseases. The involvement of inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels in homeostasis, diuresis, and salivary gland secretion in ticks and other pests identified them as attractive targets to develop novel acaricides. However, few studies exist on the molecular characteristics of Kir channels in ticks. This bioinformatic analysis described Kir channels in 20 species of hard and soft ticks. Summarizing relevant investigations on Kir channel function in invertebrate pests allowed the phylogenomic study of this class of ion channels in ticks. How this information can be adapted to innovate tick control technologies is discussed.

Integrative Alternative Tactics for Ixodid Control

“…Additional vaccine development opportunities exist, with a current focus on improving identification and characterization of ixodid antigens that can then be generated in the laboratory [ 254 ]. Further, relatively recent research has identified compounds within ixodid saliva that might play functional roles in vaccine development [ 255 ]. Ixodid saliva warrants scrutiny because it contains proteins that facilitate transmission of ixodid-borne pathogens through the salivary protein’s anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and immunosuppressive properties [ 255 , 256 ].…”

“…Further, relatively recent research has identified compounds within ixodid saliva that might play functional roles in vaccine development [ 255 ]. Ixodid saliva warrants scrutiny because it contains proteins that facilitate transmission of ixodid-borne pathogens through the salivary protein’s anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and immunosuppressive properties [ 255 , 256 ]. Several ixodid salivary gland proteins (TSLPI, Salp15, tHRF, and TIX-5) have, as well, been identified as novel candidates for an anti-ixodid vaccine [ 257 ].…”