This overview initially describes insect immune reactions and then brings together present knowledge of the interactions of vector insects with their invading parasites and pathogens. It is a way of introducing this Special Issue with subsequent papers presenting the latest details of these interactions in each particular group of vectors. Hopefully, this paper will fill a void in the literature since brief descriptions of vector immunity have now been brought together in one publication and could form a starting point for those interested and new to this important area. Descriptions are given on the immune reactions of mosquitoes, blackflies, sandflies, tsetse flies, lice, fleas and triatomine bugs. Cellular and humoral defences are described separately but emphasis is made on the co-operation of these processes in the completed immune response. The paper also emphasises the need for great care in extracting haemocytes for subsequent study as appreciation of their fragile nature is often overlooked with the non-sterile media, smearing techniques and excessive centrifugation sometimes used. The potential vital role of eicosanoids in the instigation of many of the immune reactions described is also discussed. Finally, the priming of the immune system, mainly in mosquitoes, is considered and one possible mechanism is presented.
Keywords: Aedes; Anopheles; Chagas disease; Culex; Rhodnius; antimicrobial peptides; arboviruses; blackflies; eicosanoids; encapsulation; filariasis; fleas; immune priming; insect vector immunity; leishmaniasis; lice; malaria; melanisation; mosquitoes; onchocerciasis; pathogen recognition; phagocytosis; sandflies; signaling pathways; sleeping sickness; tsetse flies.