Variable immune molecules in invertebrates

J Exp Biol. 2013 Dec 1;216(Pt 23):4313-9. doi: 10.1242/jeb.085191.

Abstract

Recently it has become evident that invertebrates may mount a highly variable immune response that is dependent on which pathogen is involved. The molecular mechanisms behind this diversity are beginning to be unravelled and in several invertebrate taxa immune proteins exhibiting a broad range of diversity have been found. In some cases, evidence has been gathered suggesting that this molecular diversity translates into the ability of an affected invertebrate to mount a defence that is specifically aimed at a particular pathogen.

Keywords: Dscam; FREP; innate immunity; invertebrate immunity; recognition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / chemistry
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Immunoglobulins / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulins / immunology
  • Immunoglobulins / physiology
  • Invertebrates / immunology*
  • Invertebrates / microbiology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sequence Analysis, Protein
  • Toll-Like Receptors / chemistry
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptors / physiology

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Toll-Like Receptors