Memory in the innate and adaptive immune systems.
Specific memory is a hallmark of the vertebrate adaptive immune system. However, recent experiments indicate that specific memory might also exist in the innate immune systems of invertebrates. At present, the underlying mechanisms are unknown; yet such phenomenological evidence is relevant for understanding the principles and evolution of immune defence.
Kurtz
Joachim
J
Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Max Planck Institute of Limnology, August-Thienemann-Strasse 2, 24306 Plön, Germany. kurtz@mpil-ploen.mpg.de
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000502:physiology; D005075:Biological Evolution; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology*; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000502:physiology*