the differential expression of tick genes in response to anaplasma infection.

Summary: Subolesin is a protective antigen that was discovered in ticks. The subolesin gene is conserved in invertebrates and vertebrates and is found in many tick genera. Recently, the study of RNA interference and immunization show the protection of tick infestations by reduction of tick survival, feeding, and reproduction. Moreover, the blocking of subolesin by RNAi and vaccination resulted in a decrease of Anaplasma infection in the host cells. The results from this article (De la fuente, 2008) support the role of subolesin in an Anaplasma infected tick and suggest that subolesin can be a good candidate for vaccine antigen against tick infestation and also Anaplasma infection.