Cholinergic receptors-mediated activities of peptidergic neurons innervating salivary glands of the tick Ixodes ricinus – AxoTick

Ixodes ricinus, is the most prominent tick vector of disease-causing viral, bacterial, and protozoan agents in Europe. Activities of tick salivary glands, play a pivotal role in tick-borne pathogen transmissions. Neuropeptidergic axons, originating from distinct neuronal cells, innervate several hundreds of saliva producing acini in the salivary glands. Although the superior power of these neurons has been propose their activities are not well understood. We have obtained an unique evidence that two different types of cholinergic receptors are co-expressed in the terminals of these axons likely mediating neuropeptides release for their downstream effect in the glands. Here, we aim to use cutting edge molecular, biochemical, pharmacological and electrophysiological tools to uncover the nature of this unique system. Our study, has the strong potential to identify powerful targets, to disturb tick salivary glands function and subsequently the transfer of tick-borne pathogens.