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Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages
Published on: October 19, 2018
Phagocytic B cells in a reptile
Laura M Zimmerman1, Laura A Vogel, Kevin A Edwards
1School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Campus Box 4120, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA. lmzimme@ilstu.edu
Biology Letters
|October 23, 2009
Summary
B cells in turtles retain phagocytic abilities, suggesting these immune cells may have evolved from a particle-engulfing ancestor. This finding supports the role of phagocytic B cells in the innate immunity of ectothermic vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Comparative Physiology
Background:
- A developmental link between B cells and macrophages suggests B cells may have evolved from phagocytic ancestors.
- Phagocytic IgM+ cells in fish and amphibians support this, but the evolutionary timing of phagocytic capacity loss in B cells remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phagocytic capacity of B cells in ectothermic vertebrates.
- To explore the evolutionary origins of B cell function and their role in innate immunity.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of leucocytes from red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta).
- Incubation of leucocytes with fluorescent beads.
- Analysis using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- Red-eared slider B cells demonstrated the ability to ingest foreign particles (fluorescent beads).
- Evidence suggests B cells in this ectothermic vertebrate retain phagocytic capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that B cells evolved from phagocytic ancestors.
- Phagocytic B cells may represent a component of the innate immune response in ectothermic vertebrates, highlighting conserved immune functions across evolution.
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