Coelomocytes of the Oligochaeta earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) as evolutionary key of defense: a morphological study

Abstract

Metazoans have several mechanisms of internal defense for their survival. The internal defense system evolved alongside the organisms. Annelidae have circulating coelomocytes that perform functions comparable to the phagocytic immune cells of vertebrates. Several studies have shown that these cells are involved in phagocytosis, opsonization, and pathogen recognition processes. Like vertebrate macrophages, these circulating cells that permeate organs from the coelomic cavity capture or encapsulate pathogens, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, they produce a range of bioactive proteins involved in immune response and perform detoxification functions through their lysosomal system. Coelomocytes can also participate in lithic reactions against target cells and the release of antimicrobial peptides. Our study immunohistochemically identify coelomocytes of Lumbricus terrestris scattered in the epidermal and the connective layer below, both in the longitudinal and in the smooth muscle layer, immunoreactive for TLR2, CD14 and α-Tubulin for the first time. TLR2 and CD14 are not fully colocalized with each other, suggesting that these coelomocytes may belong to two distinct families. The expression of these immune molecules on Annelidae coelomocytes confirms their crucial role in the internal defense system of these Oligochaeta protostomes, suggesting a phylogenetic conservation of these receptors. These data could provide further insights into the understanding of the internal defense system of the Annelida and of the complex mechanisms of the immune system in vertebrates.

Internal Defense System of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819): Ecological Role of Hemocytes as Biomarkers for Thiacloprid and Benzo[a]Pyrene Pollution

“…In the group exposed to both pollutants, a significant increase in hemocytes was noted, suggesting a synergistic effect of the two compounds on defense cells. Moreover, interestingly, not all hemocytes colocalized for the antibodies tested, suggesting that hemocytes positive for iNOS might also have a cytotoxic function, while those positive only for TLR2 might perform a mostly phagocytic function, as reported in previous studies [ 71 , 72 ]. Furthermore, TLR2- and iNOS-positive epithelial cells were found in pollutant-exposed groups, suggesting an involvement of these cells in oxidative stress-induced responses.…”

“…Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of phylogenetically highly conserved transmembrane proteins that play an important role in the innate immune system by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and initiating immune responses [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. We previously demonstrated TLR2 expression in the defense cells of invertebrates [ 71 , 72 ], protochordates [ 73 , 74 ], and several aquatic vertebrates such as myxins [ 74 , 75 ], cartilaginous fish [ 76 ], and bony fish [ 77 , 78 , 79 ]. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is an enzyme that catalyzes the production of nitric oxide (NO) in response to various stimuli, such as pathogens and inflammatory cytokines.…”

Mechanosensory cells in annelid oligochaete Lumbricus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758): A new insight on worm evolution

“…Its epidermis performs various functions, including calcium transport, respiration, feeding and defence. It consists of a columnar pseudostratified epithelium with supporting, basal, glandular and sensory cells, covered by an overlying fibrous cuticle (Alesci, Capillo, et al, 2023). Epidermal glandular cells are mucous or protein‐like with secretory activities (Coggeshall, 1966).…”