The present invention relates to tissue cement proteins produced by certain species of blood-feeding ectoparasites. These proteins and compositions comprising these proteins are particularly useful for the temporary or permanent bonding of animal tissues to each other or to other biomaterials. The present invention also relates to the use of tissue cement proteins in the production of vaccines that protect animals against the bite of blood-sucking ectoparasites and the transmission of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens by such ectoparasites.