The primitive interferon-like system and its antiviral function in molluscs

Area of Science:

• * Invertebrate immunology
• * Molecular virology
• * Aquaculture health

Background:

• * Molluscs are vital in global aquaculture and aquatic ecosystems, facing significant viral pathogen challenges.
• * Understanding molluscan antiviral defense is crucial, as viral infections cause mass mortality.
• * While vertebrates utilize the interferon (IFN) system, its counterpart in molluscs is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review the current research on the interferon-like system in molluscs.
• * To compare the uniformity and heterogeneity of the molluscan IFN-like system with other animals.
• * To elucidate antiviral modulation and the evolutionary origins of the IFN system in molluscs.

Main Methods:

• * Literature review of recent studies on molluscan immunity.
• * Characterization of IFN-like proteins and related components in molluscs.
• * Analysis of the activation pathways and regulatory elements of the molluscan IFN-like system.

Main Results:

• * Identification of key IFN-related components in molluscs, including pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and interferon regulatory factors (IRFs).
• * Evidence suggests an IFN-like system in molluscs, activated by viral or poly (I:C) challenges.
• * This system regulates the antiviral responses of mollusc haemocytes.

Conclusions:

• * Molluscs possess a functional interferon-like system contributing to antiviral defense.
• * The study highlights similarities and differences between molluscan and other animal IFN systems.
• * Further research will clarify antiviral mechanisms and the evolution of the IFN system.