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Related Experiment Videos

Digging for innate immunity since Darwin and Metchnikoff.

Edwin L Cooper1, Ellen Kauschke, Andrea Cossarizza

  • 1Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, UCLA, Los Angeles 90095-1763, USA. cooper@mednet.ucla.edu

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
|April 12, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Earthworm immune systems utilize innate immunity with various leukocytes and molecules for defense. These components distinguish self from non-self, clearing microbes and damaged cells.

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Area of Science:

  • Comparative immunology
  • Invertebrate immune systems

Background:

  • Invertebrate immune systems, like those in earthworms, are innate, non-specific, and non-anticipatory.
  • This contrasts with vertebrate adaptive immunity (macrophage, T and B cells), which is induced, specific, and anticipatory.
  • Earthworms possess diverse leukocyte types and secrete immunoprotective molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the earthworm innate immune system.
  • To detail its cellular and humoral components and their functions.
  • To discuss the evolutionary context of this system.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of leukocyte functions, including phagocytosis and natural killer cell responses.
  • Identification and sequencing of immunoprotective molecules.

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  • Review of existing literature on earthworm immunity.

    • Main Results:

    • Earthworm immune system mediates phagocytosis, encapsulation, agglutination, opsonization, clotting, and lysis.
    • Small and large coelomocytes are key leukocytes in lytic reactions.
    • Identified lytic molecules include fetidins, CCF-1, lysenin, eiseniapore, and H(1)H(2)H(3); Lumbricin I is antimicrobial but non-lytic.

    Conclusions:

    • Earthworm cellular and humoral immunity effectively distinguishes self from non-self.
    • The system disposes of internal damaged components and external antigens.
    • The study highlights the complexity and evolutionary significance of invertebrate innate immunity.