Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of human cell models exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi

We used high-throughput sequencing to investigate the genome-wide transcriptional response in human cells to treatment with Borrelia burgdorferi. We chose a time point of 72 h as ticks feed on their host for several days and at the same time the early response in Lyme disease is expected to occur at this time period at a cellular level. We found that the two cell models studied (HUVEC and HEK-293 cells) had significantly different responses. More significantly differentially expressed genes (69 in total) were found in HUVEC cells than in HEK-293 cells (8 in total). Functional analysis indicated induction of the immune response in HUVEC and suggest changes in the extracellular matrix in HEK-293.