Ticks are blood feeding arthropods which transmit many human and animal diseases.
Research into prevention and cure of these diseases, which are caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoa, is greatly assisted by the use of cell culture systems which enable study of both how tick cells function, and how and why ticks transmit these disease-causing pathogens.
This biobank is establishing a collection of all the continuous cell lines derived from ixodid and argasid ticks of medical and veterinary importance available worldwide now and in future.
LATEST NEWS: As from 1st August 2012 the management and administration of the Tick Cell Biobank transferred to The Pirbright Institute. The Biobank itself moved from Edinburgh to Pirbright in late September 2012. We will continue to provide the same listed cell lines and services as before.