Antimicrobial peptides in the interactions between insects and flagellate parasites

Trends Parasitol. 2006 Jun;22(6):262-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.04.003. Epub 2006 Apr 25.

Abstract

Innate immunity has a key role in the control of microbial infections in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In insects, including vectors that transmit parasites that cause major human and animal diseases, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of innate immunity. AMPs are induced upon parasitic infections and can participate in regulating parasite development in the digestive tract and in the hemolymph. This review presents our current knowledge of a field that is in its infancy: the role of innate immunity in different models of insects infected with flagellate parasites, and in particular the potential role of AMPs in regulating these parasitic infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / metabolism*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology
  • Antiparasitic Agents / metabolism*
  • Antiparasitic Agents / pharmacology
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / veterinary
  • Eukaryota / growth & development*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / immunology
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Insect Vectors / immunology*
  • Insect Vectors / parasitology*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Antiparasitic Agents