New Insights into Tick Antiviral Mechanisms Could Aid Disease Control

Researchers at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have unveiled critical findings about how ticks defend themselves against the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), a pathogen increasingly prevalent in East Asia. This research, published in the journal *Nature Communications* on June 17, 2025, may offer new strategies to disrupt the transmission of tick-borne diseases, which pose significant risks to human health.

The study highlights the sophisticated antiviral responses of ticks, particularly the species *Rhipicephalus microplus*, which are known vectors for various diseases. The researchers utilized a systems biology approach to analyze the gene and protein interactions that occur when these ticks are infected with SFTSV. They identified two proteins, UPF1 and DHX9, that serve as natural viral restriction factors, effectively limiting the replication of the virus within the tick cells.

Professor Alain Kohl, a prominent virologist and Chair in Virology and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, stated, "Ticks are important vectors of disease, but their biology and ability to block viruses pathogenic to humans is still relatively poorly understood. Our study shows they have sophisticated ways of detecting and controlling viral infections. This matters because understanding how ticks manage to control viruses can help us find new ways to break the chain of transmission to people."

The implications of this research extend beyond basic science; as climate change continues to alter the geographic distribution of ticks, the risk of tick-borne diseases is likely to increase. The findings underscore the urgency of developing innovative control strategies to mitigate these emerging health threats.

Dr. Marine Petit, the lead author of the study and a Lecturer in Virology at the University of Surrey, emphasized the proactive role of tick cells in antiviral defense. She remarked, "Our findings demonstrate that tick cells are not passive carriers of SFTSV; they actively mount antiviral responses. Ticks even repurpose conserved proteins to act as molecular guardians, playing a key role in their antiviral defenses. Understanding how these proteins work not only helps us decipher how ticks tolerate dangerous viruses but also opens new ways to disrupt disease transmission."

The research team profiled genes and proteins in the *Rhipicephalus microplus* BME6 cell line, annotating nearly 400 previously unknown proteins and identifying a diverse array of RNA molecules. This comprehensive analysis lays a foundation for further studies aimed at mapping antiviral mechanisms in other disease-carrying ticks, which could be pivotal in identifying vulnerabilities within the virus-vector relationship.

The study contributes significantly to the understanding of tick biology and could inform future research and public health initiatives aimed at controlling tick-borne diseases. As the global landscape shifts due to climate change, the urgency for effective control measures becomes ever more critical. The researchers advocate for ongoing investigation into tick antiviral responses as a vital step in safeguarding public health against the backdrop of evolving infectious diseases.