Immune Response Study for Tick Bites
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Background:Each year, the number of cases of tick-borne diseases increases. The deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) is the vector of at least 7 pathogens that cause human diseases, including Lyme disease. Researchers want to learn more to help them develop vaccines against ticks in the future.Objective:To learn how people s bodies, particularly the skin, respond to tick bites.Eligibility:Healthy adults aged 18 years and older who have no known history of a tick-borne disease or tick bite exposure.Design:Participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exam, and blood tests.Participants will have 2 skin punch biopsies of healthy skin. For this, a sharp instrument will be used to remove a round plug of skin about the size of a pencil eraser. Participants will then have 10 clean laboratory-bred ticks placed at 2 different sites on their skin (20 ticks total). The ticks will be removed from the first site 1 day after placement and from the second site 2-4 days after placement. Participants will complete symptom diary cards. They will answer questions about itching at the tick feeding sites. They will give blood samples. Photos will be taken of the tick feeding sites. Skin punch biopsies will be collected at the sites of the tick bites.Participants will repeat the tick feeding procedures 2 times, each 2-8 weeks apart. For the 2nd and 3rd procedures, 10 clean laboratory-bred ticks will be placed at 1 site. The ticks will be removed 2-3 days after tick placement. They will have telephone follow-up visits after each procedure.After the final tick removal, participants will have follow-up visits in 4-6 weeks and again in 3 months. They will give blood samples and discuss how they are feeling.Participation will last about 5-7 months.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot have taken anticoagulants in the past 28 days or oral or IV steroids in the 2 weeks before each tick placement. Other forms of steroids like topical or inhaled are allowed.
How does this treatment for tick bites differ from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it focuses on understanding and enhancing the immune response to tick bites, potentially leading to the development of vaccines against ticks. Unlike other treatments that may address symptoms or infections from tick bites, this approach aims to prevent tick infestations by targeting specific immune pathways and antigens identified through advanced genetic and immune research.12345
Who Is on the Research Team?
Adriana R Marques, M.D.
Principal Investigator
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Healthy adults over 18, with blood group B or AB and normal IgE levels, who've never had a tick-borne disease or known tick bite. They must be willing to follow the study procedures for about 5-7 months and use effective contraception. Excluded are those with severe allergies, skin conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer requiring immunosuppression (except non-melanoma skin cancers), HIV, chronic viral hepatitis, syphilis, history of severe allergic reactions to insect venom or drugs.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Initial Tick Feeding Procedure
Participants undergo the first tick feeding procedure with 10 ticks placed at two sites, followed by skin biopsies and blood samples.
Second Tick Feeding Procedure
Participants repeat the tick feeding procedure with 10 ticks at one site, followed by skin biopsies and blood samples.
Third Tick Feeding Procedure
Participants undergo the third tick feeding procedure with 10 ticks at one site, followed by skin biopsies and blood samples.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the final tick removal, with blood samples and health discussions.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Ixodes Scapularis Tick
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Lead Sponsor