Evolution of Vertebrate Immunity

Boehm, Thomas

doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2015.09.013

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Boehm, T. (2012). Evolution of Vertebrate Immunity. Current Biology, 43(4), 634–645.
Added by: Dr. Enrique Feoli (13/12/2025, 20:04) Last edited by: Dr. Enrique Feoli (24/12/2025, 17:12)

Resource type: Journal Article
DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2015.09.013
ID no. (ISBN etc.): 0960-9822
BibTeX citation key: Boehm2012
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Categories: BioAcyl Corp
Subcategories: Adaptive immunity
Creators: Boehm
Publisher: Cell Press
Collection: Current Biology

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Abstract

All multicellular organisms protect themselves against pathogens using sophisticated immune defenses. Functionally interconnected humoral and cellular facilities maintain immune homeostasis in the absence of overt infection and regulate the initiation and termination of immune responses directed against pathogens. Immune responses of invertebrates, such as flies, are innate and usually stereotyped; those of vertebrates, encompassing species as diverse as jawless fish and humans, are additionally adaptive, enabling more rapid and efficient immune reactivity upon repeated encounters with a pathogen. Many of the attributes historically defining innate and adaptive immunity are in fact common to both, blurring their functional distinction and emphasizing shared ancestry and co-evolution. These findings provide indications of the evolutionary forces underlying the origin of somatic diversification of antigen receptors and contribute to our understanding of the complex phenotypes of human immune disorders. Moreover, informed by phylogenetic considerations and inspired by improved knowledge of functional networks, new avenues emerge for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Added by: Dr. Enrique Feoli

Notes

It is proposed that the structural diversity of antigen receptors generated by intra-epithelial immune effector cells scales with the species diversity of the autochthonous (resident) microbiome; this in turn establishes stable metabolic interactions with the host organism. At the same time, antigen receptors additionally interact with transient (allothonous) components of the microbiome; these immune responses eventually regulate its composition.

Added by: Dr. Enrique Feoli Last edited by: Dr. Enrique Feoli