Immunity of the lugworm Arenicola marina: cells and molecules

Authors

  • M N Berlov Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St Petersburg, Russia ; Department of Biochemistry, St Petersburg State University, St Petersburg, Russia
  • A L Maltseva Department of Invertebrate Zoology, St Petersburg State University, St Petersburg, Russia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25431/1824-307X/isj.v13i1.247-256

Keywords:

immunity, celomocytes, phagocytosis, antimicrobial peptides, arenicins, polychetes, lugworm, Arenicola marina

Abstract

Immune responses of invertebrate animals are mediated through innate mechanisms, among
which phagocytosis, encapsulation, production of ROS and antimicrobial peptides. Although
polychetes represent an evolutionary interesting group closely related to presumable common ancestor of other celomates, their immune mechanisms still remain scarcely investigated. Here we discuss immune responses of the polychete Arenicola marina, the lugworm. Besides an overview of diversity of celomocytes and cellular responses, we present the synopsis on antimicrobial peptides arenicins: their structure, function and therapeutic potential.

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Published

2016-07-07

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2016)

Section

Review