Dissecting the molecular basis of molluscan immunity: the effect of immune challenge on MAPK and PKC signalling in Lymnaea stagnate haemocytes

摘要

Given the importance of molluscs as agricultural pests and as intermediate hosts for a range of parasites, it is surprising that very little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which molluscs respond to invading organisms. To help address thislack of knowledge, our work has focused on the intracellular signalling pathways that are present in the immune cells (haemocytes) of Lymnaea stagnalis. Consideration is given here to our studies on the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and ProteinKinase C (PKC) pathways and their responses following haemocyte challenge with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Although our work has identified similarities in cell signalling in the innate immune response between molluscs and higher animals, suggesting conservation throughout evolution, further characterisation of haemocyte signalling pathways may reveal novel targets for mollusc control.