As a community ecologist who often ventures into tick-infested areas, Ostfeld has been bitten by hundreds of ticks over the years.
But instead of falling victim to tick-borne diseases, his immune system senses the presence of ticks and launches a swift attack, wiping them out.
Immunity Against Ticks
Insider reports that Ostfeld's acquired tick resistance (ATR) is an incredibly rare phenomenon. When a tick bites him, his immune system recognizes and targets specific proteins in the tick's saliva, releasing an inflammatory chemical called histamine.
While experts say that the exact mechanism by which histamine kills ticks remains uncertain, it is undeniably effective.
"I develop an itchy, burning welt at the site of the tick bite, shortly after the tick attempts to embed its mouthparts," Ostfeld explained.
The welt, although uncomfortable, is harmless to him but lethal for the tick.
This rapid response not only spares Ostfeld from the severe effects of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and babesiosis but also safeguards him against long-term disabilities.
Existing research on the same subject tells us that the host's defense against tick infestation can be divided into two types: innate and acquired defenses.
Innate defenses are natural, non-specific defense mechanisms that the host has from birth. Acquired defenses, conversely, are specific immune responses that the host develops over time.
These acquired defenses involve different pathways, including producing specific proteins (antibodies) and activating certain immune cells.
A Surge in Tick-Borne Diseases
Tick-borne diseases have surged in recent decades, with reported cases doubling between 1991 and 2018.
The latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed 50,865 cases of tick-borne diseases across the country in 2019.
Contrary to popular belief, this increase is not solely attributable to a rise in the proportion of infected ticks but rather to the growing incidence of tick bites.
Climate change plays a significant role in the expansion of tick habitats. Ticks used to avoid colder states, but they have extended their range as temperatures rise.
Alarmingly, research has already revealed that ticks have evolved mechanisms to overcome host immune defenses.
More Research Needed
While Ostfeld may be among the few known individuals with ATR, the true prevalence of this phenomenon remains uncertain due to underreporting. Nevertheless, tick bites pose a growing problem for many people who lack such immunity.
However, inducing ATR in humans remains unexplored territory. Researchers are cautiously investigating the possibility, mindful of potential auto-immune responses or severe tick allergies.
Despite the challenges, Ostfeld believes ATR research is promising. He advocates for developing a vaccine against tick saliva, targeting the suitable proteins and antigens.
Because ticks are known to spread diseases, understanding these interactions between ticks and hosts is critical for public health.
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