New Cell Lines Derived from European Tick Species

Tick cell lines are important tools for research on ticks and the pathogens they transmit. Here, we report the establishment of ten new cell lines from European ticks of the genera Argas, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus originating from Germany and Spain. For each cell line, the method used to generate the primary culture, a morphological description of the cells and species confirmation by sequencing of the partial 16S rRNA gene are presented. Further molecular analysis of the two new Ixodes ricinus cell lines and three existing cell lines of the same species revealed genetic variation between cell lines derived from ticks collected in the same or nearby locations. Collectively, these new cell lines will support research into a wide range of viral, bacterial and protozoal tick-borne diseases prevalent in Europe.

Automated summary

Tick cell lines play a crucial role in studying ticks and the pathogens they transmit. In this study, ten new cell lines were established from ticks collected in Germany and Spain. The method for generating the primary culture, morphological characteristics of the cells, and species confirmation were provided for each cell line. Furthermore, genetic variation was observed among cell lines derived from ticks collected in the same or nearby locations.