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Dynamics of digestive enzymes in the gut of ticks \kur{Ixodes ricinus} during blood feeding on the host.
KONVIČKOVÁ, Jitka
Proteolysis of ingested blood proteins is a crucial physiological process in ticks. This thesis focuses on profiling of dynamics of digestive enzymes in the ticks Ixodes ricinus during the course of blood-feeding on the host and during digestive phase after detachment from the host. We have measured the activity of digestive peptidases (using specific fluorescent substrates and inhibitors). The enzyme activities were negligible at the early stage of bloodfeeding than increased dramatically towards the end of the feeding period and dropped down immediately after detachment from the host. The activity of most enzymes increased again during the digestive phase before oviposition of females or metamorphosis of nymphs. The protein level of each peptidase was confirmed by immunolocalization using Western blot analyses.
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Characterization of a defensin of the tick \kur{Dermacentor marginatus}
LEŠTINOVÁ, Kateřina
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as a part of innate immune system of ticks and other living organisms, are able to eliminate pathogens. In ticks the most important group of AMPs is defensin family. In this work, defensin from the tick D. marginatus was studied. The defensin gene was isolated from D. marginatus fed females. Using RT-PCR the gene expression was detected in salivary glands and mitgut. Recombinant protein was expressed in the procaryotic expression system, purified and tested for its antimicrobial activity. Specific polyclonal rabbit antibodies (anti DR IgG) were prepared and tested for their specifity and sensitivity.
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The transmission of significant pathogens activated by tick saliva
HUSPEKOVÁ, Helena
Ticks are one of the most common ectoparasites in the world and they are vectors of many tick-borne diseases. These diseases are caused by pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. The main point of the thesis is focused on enhancement of pathogens transmission, (especially Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme disease) by tick saliva or salivary glands extracts, and I tried to refer the main molecules, which have immunomodulatory or inhibition effect on the immunity of host. This effect can lead to the enhancement of pathogens transmission and contributes to their extension in host. The second part of the thesis is based on molecules, which can lead to the creation of vaccines against tick-borne diseases.
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