Ixodid tick salivary gland products target host wound healing growth factors

► Ixodid tick species target mammalian growth factors during blood-feeding. ► Growth factor binding molecules are produced in tick salivary glands. ► Ixodid tick species differ in the number and type of growth factor targeted. ► Targeting platelet-derived growth factor correlates with affects on mammalian cells. ► Cell proliferation, morphology, and actin cytoskeleton are affected.