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Macrophages in Invertebrates: From Insects and Crustaceans to Marine Bivalves
Prasad Abnave1,2, Xavier Muracciole1,3, Eric Ghigo4
1URMITE, CNRS UMR 7278, IRD198, INSERM U1095, APHM, Institut Hospitalier Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, 19-21 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France.
Abstract:
Macrophages are critical components of the antimicrobial response. The recent explosion of knowledge on the evolutionary, genetic, and biochemical aspects of the interaction between macrophages and microbes has renewed scientific interest in macrophages. The conservation of immune components or mechanisms between organisms during the evolutionary process allows us to elucidate antimicrobial mechanisms or discover new immune functions through the study of basal-branching organisms, such as invertebrates. As a result, immunity in non-vertebrates has attracted the attention of researchers in the last few decades. In this review, we summarize what is presently known about macrophage-like cells in various invertebrate species.
Insights
This review explores macrophage-like cells in invertebrates, highlighting conserved immune mechanisms. Studying these cells aids in understanding fundamental antimicrobial responses and discovering new immune functions across species.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Invertebrate biology
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial for the antimicrobial response.
- Recent advances in understanding macrophage-microbe interactions have spurred interest.
- Studying invertebrates offers insights into conserved immune mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on macrophage-like cells in invertebrates.
- To explore the evolutionary conservation of immune functions.
- To identify potential new immune functions through invertebrate studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of invertebrate immunology.
- Analysis of conserved immune components and mechanisms.
- Comparative study of macrophage-like cells across species.
Main Results:
- Invertebrates possess diverse macrophage-like cells involved in immunity.
- Conserved immune pathways are evident between invertebrates and vertebrates.
- Invertebrate models facilitate the elucidation of antimicrobial strategies.
Conclusions:
- Invertebrate macrophage-like cells are vital for innate immunity.
- Evolutionary studies in invertebrates reveal fundamental aspects of host defense.
- Further research on invertebrate immunity can uncover novel therapeutic targets.
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