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Immune Systems in Insects and Vertebrates

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The main topic of the text is the immune system of insects, including immune priming, transgenerational immunity, and the Dscam gene's role in pathogen recognition. It also discusses RNA interference as an antiviral defense and compares these mechanisms to vertebrates' adaptive immunity. The evolution and function of the acquired immune system in vertebrates are highlighted, showcasing the complexity and specificity of immune responses across different species.

Insect Immune Priming and Transgenerational Immunity

Insects possess a unique form of immune memory known as immune priming, which allows them to mount a more robust defense against pathogens they have previously encountered. This is not due to adaptive immunity as seen in vertebrates, since insects lack specialized immune cells like B and T cells. Instead, their immune memory relies on innate immune mechanisms. Priming occurs when insects survive an infection or are exposed to non-lethal doses of pathogens. Their immune cells, called hemocytes, become better at recognizing and neutralizing the same pathogens in future encounters. Intriguingly, this enhanced immune response can be passed down to their progeny, a phenomenon known as transgenerational immune priming. This provides the offspring with a survival advantage against pathogens that their parents have encountered.
Flying bee with golden fur and iridescent wings on the left, green anole lizard on brown branch on the right, blurred natural backgrounds.

The Dscam Gene and Immune Specificity in Insects

The Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) gene is pivotal in the insect immune system, contributing to its ability to specifically recognize pathogens. The Dscam gene can produce a vast diversity of protein isoforms through alternative splicing of its exons, which encode immunoglobulin domains. These different isoforms allow hemocytes to distinguish between a wide array of pathogens. When an insect encounters a pathogen, it generates Dscam isoforms that bind specifically to that pathogen. If the insect survives and the pathogen reappears, the presence of the matching Dscam isoforms enables a more effective immune response. This specificity is a key feature of the insect immune system, allowing it to adapt to the diverse microbial environment.

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00

Insects have a form of immune memory called ______, which enhances their defense against familiar pathogens.

immune priming

01

Unlike vertebrates, insects do not have adaptive immunity because they lack ______ and ______ cells.

B

T

02

Dscam gene function in insect immunity

Produces diverse protein isoforms for pathogen recognition via alternative splicing.

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