|
IMMUNOLOGY OF MOLLUSCS
Special web site on Immunology of Molluscs (IMMUMOLL), Molecular Evolution of their Immune Receptors and Effector mechanisms is started now.
Seven
classes of phylum Mollusca inhabiting a wide range of marine, fresh-water
and terrestial habitats embrace an impressive array of specialized
forms with very rich trematode fauna. Despite the potential richness
of this material studies on interactions between internal defense
system (IDS) of molluscan hosts and trematode parthenogenetic (intramolluscan)
generations have been concentrated in a relatively narrow field.
Trematode parthenitae parasiting in only few basommathophoran snail
species Biomphalaria, Bulinus and Lymnaea (Pulmonata)
have been used in order to investigate mechanisms of mollusc - trematode
compatibility.
Because
of necessity to introduce new models, taxonomically distant from
“pulmonate” systems, we study marine species of molluscs
and trematodes. Several Bivalves and Prosobranchs are involved in
the project. Some of them being an intermediate hosts of trematodes
infecting periwinkle Littorina littorea (Prosobranchia) are
used to screen modification of the specific parasite tactic in different
molluscs. Others allow to study details of host ID reactions
on invasion with specific and non-specific parasite.
How
do Trematodes persist against mollusc IDS attacking? We believe
that comparative approach gives a higher chance to get the answer
than previously thought.
Alexander M. Gorbushin
|
|
|
|
|
Littorina littorea
|
Mytilus edulis
|
Buccinum undatum
|
|
