Parasite-host relationship: a lesson from a professional killer

Abstract

This paper outlines some of the main features of parasites immunoevasion/depression strategies.
Insects humoral and cellular responses are briefly discussed and correlated to the active and passive
strategies of insects parasites, with particular emphasis on nematocomplexes used as biological
insecticides. We have reviewed data on the interaction, at immunological level, of the parasite
Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditidae) with the host model Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae); the putative role of the parasite body-surface in active and passive evasion mechanisms has been
evaluated and discussed.