Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Fluorescence Assays for the Study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Interaction with the Immune Receptor SLAMF1
Published on: February 28, 2025
Diverse lectin repertoires in tunicates mediate broad recognition and effector innate immune responses
Michael S Quesenberry1, Hafiz Ahmed, Maria T Elola
1Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, 701 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
Abstract:
It is widely recognized that humoral and phagocyte-associated lectins constitute critical components of innate immunity in vertebrates and invertebrates. Their functions include not only self/non-self recognition but also engaging associated effector mechanisms, such as complement-mediated opsonization and killing of potential pathogens. One of the unresolved questions concerns the diversity in recognition capacity of the lectin repertoire, particularly in those organisms lacking adaptive immunity. In this paper, we discuss evidence suggesting that lectin repertoire in invertebrates and protochordates is highly diversified, and includes most of the lectin classes described so far in vertebrate species, as well as associated effector pathways.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Selectins
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

