Proteomics informed by transcriptomics for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sialoproteome of adult Ornithodoros moubata ticks

Abstract Background The argasid tick Ornithodoros moubata is the main vector in mainland Africa of African swine fever virus and spirochete Borrelia duttoni , which causes human relapsing fever. elimination populations O. would contribute to prevention control these two serious diseases. Anti-tick vaccines are an eco-friendly sustainable means eliminating populations. Tick saliva forms part tick-host interface, knowledge its composition key identification selection vaccine candidate antigens. aim present work increase body data on proteome adult ticks, particularly females, since in-depth sialome will allow novel salivary antigens as targets for vaccines. Methods We analysed samples female male using different mass spectrometry (MS) approaches: data-dependent acquisition liquid chromatography-tandem MS (LC–MS/MS) sequential window all theoretical fragment ion spectra–MS (SWATH-MS). To maximise number proteins identified, a proteomics informed by transcriptomics analysis was applied transcriptomic dataset previously obtained RNA-Seq. Results SWATH-MS proved be superior LC–MS/MS study saliva, it identified 61.2% more than latter, reproducibility results enhanced with use, provided quantitative picture components. In total, we 299 non-redundant quantified expression 165 both among 13 were significantly overexpressed females 40 males. These indicate important differences between sexes. Conclusions This expands our sialome, that increasing proteins, have functions at tick–host feeding interface. new taken together information sialotranscriptome rational candidates antigen development. Graphical