Method to reduce tick population with a universal tick antigen
Inventors
van Oosterwijk, Jolieke Gerdy • Zatechka, Jr., Douglas Steven • Richer, Luciana Meirelles
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11771746-B2
Publication Date
2023-10-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Through the use of a universal anti-tick antigens, multiple tick-borne diseases that occur over a significant area can be targeted for eradication. The novel reservoir targeted anti-tick treatment is designed to reduce tick numbers and thereby blocking transmission of tick-borne diseases.
Core Innovation
The disclosure provides a universal tick-control approach using highly conserved tick aquaporin extracellular peptide antigens as universal anti-tick antigens. The peptides are identified as SEQ ID NO 1 to SEQ ID NO 10, and the approach targets tick AQP extracellular peptide antigens to reduce tick population and block transmission.
The method aims to reduce tick population by administering to mice an expression vector harboring a nucleic acid molecule encoding a peptide of SEQ ID NO 1. The disclosure further describes delivering the antigens via an expression vector encoding the AQP peptides and/or via a bacterial vehicle, and using oral bait compositions for delivery to small rodent reservoirs.
For field and oral delivery, the antigens are formulated for stabilized, microencapsulated bead or bait substrates. The stabilization uses hydrocolloid stabilizers such as alginate with sugars, cross-linked with calcium salts, and the disclosure states a sequence selection and safety rationale based on high tick homology and low similarity to humans or vehicle.
Claims Coverage
The claim set includes one independent claim directed to reducing tick population by administering to mice an expression vector encoding an AQP extracellular peptide antigen, with a dependent claim narrowing the delivery format to a microencapsulated bead. There are 2 inventive features.
Expression vector encoding a peptide of SEQ ID NO 1 for reducing tick population
Administering to mice an expression vector harboring a nucleic acid molecule encoding a peptide of SEQ ID NO 1 to reduce tick population.
Microencapsulated bead formulation of the expression vector
Formulating the expression vector for delivery as a microencapsulated bead.
Overall claim coverage focuses on reducing tick population through delivery of an expression vector encoding the AQP extracellular peptide antigen of SEQ ID NO 1, with delivery narrowed to a microencapsulated bead formulation.
Stated Advantages
Reduces tick population.
Blocks transmission.
Reduces Ixodes scapularis molting success of larvae to nymphs and nymphs to adults after AQP treatment.
Documented Applications
Administering oral bait compositions to small rodent reservoirs for universal tick control and transmission blocking by targeting tick aquaporin extracellular peptide antigens.
A pilot mouse efficacy use case reporting reduced Ixodes scapularis molting success of larvae to nymphs and nymphs to adults after AQP treatment.
Targeting multiple tick- and transmission-associated pathogens noted in the provided summary, including Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia miyamotoi, Borrelia mayonii, Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis, and Powassan virus.
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