The ILRI Tick Unit stands as one of Africa’s unique facility for the Tick Cell Biobank, marking a significant stride in tickborne disease research through the utilization of specific cell lines. Hosted at the Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, the parent Tick Cell Biobank houses 55 cell lines from ticks of veterinary and medical significance.
ILRI’s Tick Unit is pivotal in advancing animal health research, contributing to vaccine development and vector genomics which is crucial for supporting local farmers combatting tick infestations and pesticide resistant strains, thus safeguarding livestock and mitigating economic losses. It houses a unique biological resource comprising cell lines from four tick genera: Rhipicephalus, Boophilus, Hyalomma, and Amblyomma, unmatched globally.
