Summary/Abstract: Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites with worldwide public health and veterinary importance. The success of their life strategy can be attributed, in part, to anti-inflammatory salivary proteins that inhibit host immunity and facilitate pathogen transmission. As an example, we recently discovered a novel mechanism of immune evasion by which the Ixodes scapularis salivary protein Sialostatin L2 inhibits activation of the NLRC4 inflammasome. The NLRC4 inflammasome is a protein scaffold that regulates maturation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 through the enzyme caspase-1. We demonstrated that Sialostatin L2 binds to the mammalian host protein Annexin A2. Upon infection with the rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Sialostatin L2 impairs assembly of the NLRC4 inflammasome. How tick effector molecules, such as Sialostatin L2, are released during blood-feeding continues to be unknown. In what manner pathogens, such as A. phagocytophilum, influence the delivery of tick molecules to the mammalian host remain elusive. Whether the lymphatic system, a network of circulatory vessels, provides a rapid mechanism of dissemination for immunological information during tick blood-feeding remains undetermined. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that function in intercellular communication, facilitating host immune modulation. For this R01 application, we show that I. scapularis exosomes interact with host immune cells and transport anti-inflammatory tick salivary proteins. We report that A. phagocytophilum alters the oxidative state of molecules within exosomes. Finally, we demonstrate that the lymphatic system acts as a conduit where the release of tick proteins may affect inflammation. Accordingly, our central hypothesis states that the lymphatic system plays a critical role in modulating inflammation during tick feeding; and that exosomes facilitate intercommunication between I. scapularis and the mammalian host. Aim#1 of this proposal will identify anti- inflammatory molecules within tick exosomes. Aim#2 will define oxidative post-translational modifications within tick exosomes. Aim#3 will evaluate the role of the lymphatic system during tick feeding. Altogether, this research will determine how tick-derived exosomes transport salivary proteins; investigate the underlying mechanisms by which the rickettsial pathogen A. phagocytophilum affects exosomes; and reveal whether the lymphatic system carries tick-derived molecules. As ticks and other arthropods transmit many human pathogens during feeding, solving this intriguing scientific question will provide critical insights to the vector biology community.

Project Narrative: For this R01 application, we hypothesize that exosomes deliver salivary proteins to facilitate intercommunication between the tick Ixodes scapularis and the mammalian host. We postulate that the lymphatic system carries tick antigens to affect inflammation. We will investigate a new area of research in vector biology and provide mechanistic insights into tick-borne illnesses.