Immune function keeps endosymbionts under control

J Biol. 2008 Oct 16;7(8):28. doi: 10.1186/jbiol88.

Abstract

How does an animal host prevent intracellular symbionts getting out of hand? A new paper in BMC Biology provides evidence that the mutualism between a beetle and its bacterial endosymbiont could be mediated through the expression of host immune genes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / genetics*
  • Bacteria / immunology*
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Immune System / physiology*
  • Symbiosis / genetics*
  • Weevils* / genetics
  • Weevils* / immunology
  • Weevils* / microbiology
  • Zea mays / parasitology