A tick protein that inhibits multiple immune signals could lead to better treatments for autoimmune diseases and inflammation.
The body’s immune system relies on rapid communication to fight threats. When harmful microbes or foreign substances are detected, it releases chemical signals called chemokines. These act like distress beacons, guiding immune cells to the affected area so they can contain and destroy the invader.
Ticks have evolved a way to quietly bypass this alarm system. As parasites that feed on blood, they can remain attached for long periods without being noticed. They achieve this by releasing specialized proteins known as evasins, which intercept chemokines before they can alert the immune system. By effectively silencing these signals, ticks avoid triggering inflammation and can continue feeding undetected.
Chemokines, however, are not always beneficial. When their activity becomes excessive or poorly controlled, they can drive chronic inflammation. This process is a key factor in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease, and even cancer, where persistent immune signaling can damage healthy tissue.
Researchers at the Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute have now identified a tick-derived evasin that can bind to two major groups of chemokines. This finding is significant for developing new treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Previously, known evasins could only target one chemokine group at a time.
Breakthrough for Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disease Treatment
The study, published in the journal Structure and led by Professor Martin Stone and Dr. Ram Bhusal, highlights the therapeutic potential of this broad-acting evasin. Because it can target multiple chemokine types, it may offer a new way to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as well as cancer.
According to co-first authors Mr. Kunwar and Dr. Devkota, scientists had believed that ticks suppressed immune responses by releasing a mix of evasins, each aimed at a different chemokine group. “However, in this study, we have identified a naturally occurring evasin that can inhibit both major classes of chemokines,” Mr. Kunwar said. “This is a novel finding and represents a significant advance in the field.”
Dr. Devkota added, “The discovery opens up new opportunities to develop therapies that target chemokines driving inflammatory diseases such as RA and MS. While treatments are available, there remains a significant need for therapies that more effectively prevent disease progression.”
Reference: “Discovery of an evolutionarily distinct evasin with dual CC and CXC chemokine inhibitory activity” by Surendra Kunwar, Shankar Raj Devkota, Caroline Ang, Pramod Aryal, Wenrui Gai, Rina Pokhrel, Sean S. So, Wanting Jiao, Richard J. Payne, Remy Robert, Martin J. Stone and Ram Prasad Bhusal, 26 February 2026, Structure.
DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2026.02.001
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8 Comments
what is this
This is a very interesting search.
Has it be tested on humans.
Excellent work. The knowledge is helpful and has High potential in therapeutic application.
I diagnosed primary Sjogren syndrome I am scared if is go secondary how I manage pain
ILD/ Lung Fibrosis inflammation as well can be treated ??
People who have had Lyme Disease undiagnosed and untreated for decades have immune systems altered by tick protein and more.
Research needs to be done for their treatment. Many have developed autoimmune diseases too. Funding should follow this ongoing critical need.
People who have had Lyme Disease undiagnosed and untreated for decades have immune systems altered by tick protein and more.
Research needs to be done for their treatment. Many have developed autoimmune diseases too. Funding should follow this ongoing critical need.
* Being blocked as a ‘duplicate comment’ …never posted before.
It would be great if there was a cure for Crohn’s disease