Modulation of the tick gut milieu by a secreted tick protein favors Borrelia burgdorferi colonization

Abstract

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted by the tick Ixodes scapularis. Here, the authors show that a tick secreted protein (PIXR) modulates the tick gut microbiota and facilitates B. burgdorferi colonization.