The Ixodes scapularis Genome Project:: an opportunity for advancing tick research

The Ixodes scapularis Genome Project (IGP), the first to sequence a tick genome, will provide an unparalleled resource for studying tick biology and tick-host-pathogen relationships, and identifying novel targets for tick and tick-borne disease control. The IGP will be the first genomic analysis of a member of the subphylum Chelicerata and will accelerate the pace of tick research. The challenge for scientists is to translate IGP data into public health benefits.