Current knowledge of immune priming in invertebrates, emphasizing studies on Tenebrio molitor

Current Status of Immune Deficiency Pathway in Tenebrio molitor Innate Immunity

“…The signature of distinct pathogenic infections from Gram-positive/-negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites along insect life cycle exert extreme evolutionary pressure that has resulted in the development of an enhanced immune system ( 2 , 3 ). Unlike the mammalian hosts, insects do not have adaptive immune system to aid them in production of antibodies and various memory cells ( 4 ). In fact, the diversity and specificity of immune priming and most specifically transgenerational immune priming (TGIP) advocated to provide clues to the immunologic memory in few insects ( 4 ).…”

“…Unlike the mammalian hosts, insects do not have adaptive immune system to aid them in production of antibodies and various memory cells ( 4 ). In fact, the diversity and specificity of immune priming and most specifically transgenerational immune priming (TGIP) advocated to provide clues to the immunologic memory in few insects ( 4 ). Hence, they rely on innate immune responses to protect themselves against infections and maintain homeostasis, thereby adapting to their ecological niches ( 5 , 6 ).…”

“…Innate immunity is highly conserved among all living organisms. Despite the fundamental differences between insects and mammals, their battle with common pathogens for millions of years has resulted in the development of similar immunity-related molecular machinery ( 4 ). This immunity is classified into cellular immunity, including phagocytosis, encapsulation, and nodulation ( 7 , 8 ), and humoral immunity, which mediates clotting ( 9 ), melanin synthesis ( 10 ), and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) production ( 11 , 12 ).…”

“…Among all the insects used to study immune responses and host-pathogen interactions, yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor , has become an attractive model owing to ( i ) its convenience and cost-effective breeding, ( ii ) relatively large body size benefiting researchers to collect sufficient hemolymph samples, ( iii ) identification of molecular nature of its immune response, and ( iv ) suitability for the development of potential strategies of pest control and management ( 4 ).…”

Editorial: Innate Immune System Guiding Physiological Plasticity in Invertebrates

“…The pre-exposure advantage on a secondary challenge was nullified in the study contemplating future studies to understand adaptive value of this phenomenon considering specific host-pathogen combinations. As discussed in a previous report, the pronounced immune priming phenomenon in industrial insects such as T. molitor could be crucial to obtain sustainable stocks of insect population for multiplication as food ( Ali Mohammadie Kojour et al, 2022 ).…”