A protein subunit vaccine for control of Asian long-horned ticks in cattle

Tick-borne pathogens cause major economic losses to the livestock industry leading to an estimated $19.7 billion in losses for the U.S. including approximately $3 billion in losses for cattle producers. The Asian longhorned tick an invasive non-native tick species poses a major threat to animal health and productivity in cattle. Currently tick management includes inspection and chemical control and is a laborious and expensive process for livestock producers. Unfortunately there are no vaccines in the U.S. that target the Asian longhorned tick. Medgene Labs has produced a vaccine against this tick for use in cattle. Vaccinating cattle results in the production of antibodies against the tick gut protein Hl86 following administration in a two-dose prime-and-boost regimen. If effective against the Asian longhorned tick this vaccine will significantly reduce the cost time and effort associated with herd management. This Phase II project will 1) test the efficacy of the Hl86 vaccine against the Asian longhhorned tick in an established in vitro tick feeding system that measures effects on tick feeding reproduction and development; 2) establish the mechanism of action through analysis of antibody binding in ticks; and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine in a multi-site field study in cattle quantifying its effect on tick infestation over a 6-month period. Successful completion of the Phase II project will generate critical data on the efficacy of the Hl86 vaccine supporting its rapid commercialization on Medgene Labs' USDA-licensed prescription vaccine platform.