Secreted immunoglobulin domain effector molecules of invertebrates and management of gut microbial ecology

AbstractThe origins of a “pass-through” gut in early bilaterians facilitated the exploration of new habitats, motivated the innovation of feeding styles and behaviors, and helped drive the evolution of more complex organisms. The gastrointestinal tract has evolved to consist of a series of interwoven exchanges between n utrients, host immunity, and an often microbe-rich environmental interface. Not surprisingly, animals have expanded their immune repertoires to include soluble effectors that can be secreted into luminal spaces, e.g., in the gut, facilitating interactions with microbes in ways that influence their s ettlement dynamics, virulence, and their interaction with other microbes. The immunoglobulin (Ig) domain, which is also found in some non-immune molecules, is recognized as one of the most versatile recognition domains lying at the interface of innate and adaptive immunity; among vertebrates, secret ed Igs are known to play crucial roles in the management of gut microbial communities. In this mini-review, we will focus on secreted immune effectors possessing Ig-like domains in invertebrates, such as the fibrinogen-related effector proteins first described in the gastropodBiomphalaria glabrata, the Down syndrome cellular adhesion molecule first described in the arthropod,Drosophila melanogaster, and the variable region-containing chitin-binding proteins of the protochordates. We will highlight our current understanding of their function and their potential role,...
Source: Immunogenetics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research