Journal article

Publication year: 1998

Pages: 298-315

Journal: Zoology

Volume number: 101

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0944-2006

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
Insects survive microbial and parasitic infections by humoral and cellular defense mechanisms. Humoral immune mechanisms include the synthesis of the so-called immune proteins. Cellular mechanisms are phagocytosis, nodule formation, and encapsulation. For a successful defense against the invading pathogens cooperation between humoral and cellular immune reactions in a well balanced network is important. The prophenoloxydase activating cascade and hemolymph coagulation are two examples of these complex interactions of both hemocytes and hemolymph factors.Interestingly more and more evidence is accumulating that receptors of recognition processes and basic regulatory elements of the insect and the vertebrate immune system are very similar. But as pointed out by Boman (1996) "Evidence for similarities does not rule out substantial undetected and more relevant differences." He argued further that eventhough an approach using similar assays that may lead to detect similarities is quite necessary especially when comparing evolutionary traits. But we should not forget looking for differences because they are as important as the similarities.

Harvard Citation style: Trenczek, T. (1998) Endogenous defense mechanisms of insects, Zoology, 101(4), pp. 298-315

APA Citation style: Trenczek, T. (1998). Endogenous defense mechanisms of insects. Zoology. 101(4), 298-315.