Tick research
Tick-borne diseases are the number one vector-borne illnesses in the United States and a cause of significant economic burden to the healthcare system, with the CDC thousands of cases every year. While Lyme disease, transmitted by the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), is the most prevalent, other tick species, such as the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), have significantly increased in the last few years. The recent increase in tick-borne illness reflects the need for effective disease prevention measures, which involve a better understanding of the mechanisms associated with tick-borne illness and developing effective strategies for tick control.
Our research is focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms of tick biology, microbiome, and physiology to better understand tick diseases and tick vector competence. Our research also focuses on the development of new strategies for tick management using environmentally friendly bacteria. Our ultimate goal is to aid in the prevention and control of tick-borne illness.
Our current research projects
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) and tick bites
AGS, also known as red meat allergy, is a tick-induced allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a sugar commonly found in the cells of most mammalian tissues except for humans and some primates.
Tick microbiome and biological control
Ticks are known to harbor bacterial communities with commensal, parasitic, and symbiotic relationships. We believe that the tick microbiome holds the key to identifying bacterial taxa for tick management and for reducing vector competence.