Regulators and signalling in insect haemocyte immunity.
The innate immune system of insects relies on both humoral and cellular immune responses that are mediated via activation of several signalling pathways. Haemocytes are the primary mediators of cell-mediated immunity in insects, including phagocytosis, nodulation, encapsulation and melanization. The last years, research has focused on the mechanisms of microbial recognition and activation of haemocyte intracellular signalling molecules in response to invaders. The powerful tool, RNA interference gene silencing, helped several regulators involved in immune responses, to be identified. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the role(s) of receptors and intracellular signalling molecules involved in immune responses.
Marmaras
Vassilis J
VJ
Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece. marmaras@upatras.gr
Lampropoulou
Maria
M
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007313:Insecta / Q000276:immunology*; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008543:Melanins