title: Vector-transmitted disease vaccines: targeting salivary proteins in transmission (SPIT).
abstract: More than half the population of the world is at risk for morbidity and mortality from vector-transmitted diseases, and emerging vector-transmitted infections are threatening new populations. Rising insecticide resistance and lack of efficacious vaccines highlight the need for novel control measures. One such approach is targeting the vector-host interface by incorporating vector salivary proteins in anti-pathogen vaccines. Debate remains about whether vector saliva exposure exacerbates or protects against more severe clinical manifestations, induces immunity through natural exposure or extends to all vector species and associated pathogens. Nevertheless, exploiting this unique biology holds promise as a viable strategy for the development of vaccines against vector-transmitted diseases.
authors.affiliation: Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA. Electronic address: mcdowell.11@nd.edu.
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McDowell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001179:Arthropod Vectors / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D058507:Host Specificity; D006801:Humans; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000276:immunology*; D014612:Vaccines
chemical_list: D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; D014612:Vaccines
keywords: blood-feeding; saliva; vaccines; vector-transmitted disease