Trans-generational Immune Priming in Invertebrates: Current Knowledge and Future Prospects

Area of Science:

• Invertebrate immunology
• Evolutionary biology
• Trans-generational immune priming

Background:

• Trans-generational immune priming (TGIP) is the inheritance of parental immunological memory by offspring.
• While studied in vertebrates for over a century, TGIP in invertebrates has gained significant attention in the last two decades.
• Numerous studies have investigated invertebrate TGIP across various systems, but a consolidated understanding remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of experimental TGIP studies in invertebrates.
• To critically analyze methodologies used to investigate invertebrate TGIP.
• To synthesize findings on TGIP outcomes, ecological relevance, evolutionary implications, and molecular mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published articles on invertebrate TGIP.
• Critical analysis of experimental procedures and data.
• Synthesis of functional, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of TGIP.

Main Results:

• TGIP has been demonstrated in diverse invertebrate taxa.
• Various experimental approaches have been employed to study TGIP's functional and evolutionary significance.
• Potential molecular mechanisms underlying TGIP are emerging.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of invertebrate TGIP requires critical evaluation of existing methodologies.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the ecological and evolutionary roles of TGIP.
• Hypothetical models for TGIP mechanisms can guide future investigations.