Tick proteins in Borrelia transmission and tick feeding: t(r)ick or treat?

The data described in this thesis contribute to the understanding of the role of tick proteins in tick feeding and transmission of Borrelia. Targeting tick proteins that play a crucial role in tick feeding and/or Borrelia transmission are interesting candidates for anti-tick vaccines to prevent Lyme borreliosis. By interfering with the ticks ability to inhibit innate immune responses and activation of coagulation the tick bite site could become a more hostile environment for Borrelia when it enters the skin. Future research is necessary to explore the tick sialome in order to identify and characterize tick proteins to develop a cocktail vaccine that completely blocks pathogen transmission and/or tick feeding. The vaccination approaches discussed in this thesis could be applicable to other vector-borne pathogens as well.