Abstract:
Control of complex parasites via vaccination remains challenging, with the current combination
of vaccines and small drugs remaining the choice for an integrated control strategy.
Studies conducted to date, are providing evidence that multicomponent vaccines will be
needed for the development of protective vaccines against endo- and ectoparasites, though
multicomponent vaccines require an in-depth understanding of parasite biology which
remains insufficient for ticks. With the rapid development and spread of acaricide resistance
in ticks, new targets for acaricide development also remains to be identified, along
with novel targets that can be exploited for the design of lead compounds. In this study, we
analysed the differential gene expression of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks that were fed
on cattle vaccinated with a multi-component vaccine (Bm86 and 3 putative Bm86-binding
proteins). The data was scrutinised for the identification of vaccine targets, small drug targets
and novel pathways that can be evaluated in future studies. Limitations associated with
targeting novel proteins for vaccine and/or drug design is also discussed and placed into the
context of challenges arising when targeting large protein families and intracellular localised
proteins. Lastly, this study provide insight into how Bm86-based vaccines may reduce
successful uptake and digestion of the bloodmeal and overall tick fecundity.
