Modulation of host-immune responses by ticks (Acari: Ixodidae): effect of salivary gland extracts on host macrophages and lymphocyte cytokine production.

Ixodid tick infestation induces host acquired resistance, which involves immunoglobulin cell-mediated and complement-dependent effector pathways. Ticks have developed countermeasures to modulate host antiarthropod responses. Ixodid-mediated host immunomodulation results in vitro in reduced responsiveness to T-lymphocyte mitogens for cells obtained from infested hosts and impaired antibody responses to a thymic dependent antigen. Salivary gland extracts from days 0-9 of engorgement from unmated, female Dermacentor andersoni Stiles suppressed lymphocyte proliferative responses (LPS) to the T-cell mitogen Con A up to 68.4%, whereas responsiveness to E. coli LPS was enhanced. Cytokines assessed in this study included interleukin-1, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha produced by macrophages, and interleukin-2, IL-2, and gamma interferon (IFN-G) secreted by T-lymphocytes. Salivary gland extracts prepared from tissues obtained on days 0-5 of engorgement suppressed IL-1 elaboration from 89.8% on day 0 through 37.5% on day 6. Levels of TNF were reduced from 40.7 to 94.6% throughout the course of the study. Production of IL-2 was suppressed by 14.1-31.9%, and IFN-G was reduced by 8.7-57.0%. Reduced IL-1 levels during the early phases of feeding indicated reduced host ability to activate T-lymphocytes and provide costimulatory, differentiation, and development signals for B-cells. Both IL-1 and TNF are endogenous pyrogens and activate polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Activities of TNF and IFN-G include antiviral properties and induction of expression of class I and II major histocompatibility complex molecules, which are critical components in the recognition of antigen by T-lymphocytes. The autocrine role of IL-2 in proliferation of T-lymphocytes is central to the development of immune reactivity involving T-cell regulation or effector functions or both. Reductions in cytokine levels would suppress immune responses directed toward immunogens introduced into the host during the course of tick feeding. These results indicates that immunomodulation of the host during tick feeding facilitates engorgement and pathogen transmission.