Tick–Virus–Host Interactions at the Cutaneous Interface: The Nidus of Flavivirus Transmission
Tick-borne viral diseases continue to emerge in the United States, as clearly evident from the increase in Powassan encephalitis virus, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus infections. Tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs) are transmitted to the mammalian host along with the infected tick saliva during bloo...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2018-07-01
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| Series: | Viruses |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/10/7/362 |
| Summary: | Tick-borne viral diseases continue to emerge in the United States, as clearly evident from the increase in Powassan encephalitis virus, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus infections. Tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs) are transmitted to the mammalian host along with the infected tick saliva during blood-feeding. Successful tick feeding is facilitated by a complex repertoire of pharmacologically active salivary proteins/factors in tick saliva. These salivary factors create an immunologically privileged micro-environment in the host’s skin that influences virus transmission and pathogenesis. In this review, we will highlight tick determinants of TBFV transmission with a special emphasis on tick–virus–host interactions at the cutaneous interface. |
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| ISSN: | 1999-4915 |