Lectins and cytokines in celomatic invertebrates: two tales with the same end

Authors

  • D Malagoli Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
  • S Sacchi Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
  • E Ottaviani Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Keywords:

invertebrate immunity, lectins, cytokines, evolution

Abstract

The paper presents the principle data regarding the presence and the roles of lectins and
cytokines in invertebrates. The former have been described in the main invertebrate taxa, such
molluscs, annelids, arthropods, echinoderms and tunicates, while convincing evidence for cytokines was found only in the insects, Drosophila melanogaster and Pseudaletia separata, and the freshwater crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus. Lectins and cytokines share convergent and common functions, and one of the multiples roles of these messenger molecules is their participation in fighting against non-self.

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Published

2009-12-18

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Minireview