Possible manipulation of IFN signaling by tick SGE was indicated by Dessens and Nuttall (1998) who demonstrated THOV transmission to uninfected ticks feeding on Mx1 A2G mice (a strain resistant to infection) following needle- or tick-borne virus challenge, probably thanks to Mx1 gene manipulation after injection of virus mixed with tick SGE. The gene discussed is MX1; the disease is infection.