Pharmacologically Active Compounds in Tick Salivary Glands

Ticks are obligate blood-feeding arthropods. To feed successfully, ticks inject saliva into the feeding lesion in the host skin. Tick saliva contains a wide array of pharmacologically active compounds that counteract host defense systems (hemostasis, inflammation, immune responses) and ensure successful feeding and survival of the ectoparasites. The structural-functional relationships of some of the salivary compounds have been described, but current research on tick sialomes indicates that the diversity of tick salivary molecules is very wide and needs furher extensive exploration. Tick saliva offers a rich source of biologically active compounds with potential use as pharmaceuticals.