Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Methods to Examine the Lymph Gland and Hemocytes in Drosophila Larvae
Published on: November 28, 2016
Hematopoiesis in Bivalvia larvae: Cellular origin, differentiation of hemocytes, and neoplasia
1A. V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevsky Str. 17, 690041, Vladivostok, Russia; Far Eastern Federal University, 690950, Vladivostok, Russia.
Hemocytes play vital roles in the immune response. Despite progress in the characterization of molluscan hemocytes and immune cells, including their cellular receptors and signal transduction pathways, the processes that lead to their differentiation in bivalve larvae remain unknown. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of that decide hemocyte stem cell fate and self-renewal during development remain poorly characterized. Similar to adult mollusks, the larvae are filter feeders and are highly susceptible to pathogens and biotoxins; therefore, it is important to understand the development and function of their immune system. This review summarizes the current data on the appearance of elements of the immune system in bivalve larvae. I have discussed why the immune cells emerge before the circular blood vessel system, which differentiates at the late stages of development. I also discuss how molluscan hemocytes are involved in the development of disseminated neoplasia.
Hemocytes play vital roles in the immune response. Despite progress in the characterization of molluscan hemocytes and immune cells, including their cellular receptors and signal transduction pathways, the processes that lead to their differentiation in bivalve larvae remain unknown. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of that decide hemocyte stem cell fate and self-renewal during development remain poorly characterized. Similar to adult mollusks, the larvae are filter feeders and are highly susceptible to pathogens and biotoxins; therefore, it is important to understand the development and function of their immune system. This review summarizes the current data on the appearance of elements of the immune system in bivalve larvae. I have discussed why the immune cells emerge before the circular blood vessel system, which differentiates at the late stages of development. I also discuss how molluscan hemocytes are involved in the development of disseminated neoplasia.
Related Concept Videos
Hematopoiesis
Overview of Hematopoiesis
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Production of Formed Elements
Most HSCs commit to...
Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Lineage Commitment

