Innate immunity in vertebrates: an overview

Immunology. 2016 Jun;148(2):125-39. doi: 10.1111/imm.12597. Epub 2016 Apr 5.

Abstract

Innate immunity is a semi-specific and widely distributed form of immunity, which represents the first line of defence against pathogens. This type of immunity is critical to maintain homeostasis and prevent microbe invasion, eliminating a great variety of pathogens and contributing with the activation of the adaptive immune response. The components of innate immunity include physical and chemical barriers, humoral and cell-mediated components, which are present in all jawed vertebrates. The understanding of innate defence mechanisms in non-mammalian vertebrates is the key to comprehend the general picture of vertebrate innate immunity and its evolutionary history. This is also essential for the identification of new molecules with applications in immunopharmacology and immunotherapy. In this review, we describe and discuss the main elements of vertebrate innate immunity, presenting core findings in this field and identifying areas that need further investigation.

Keywords: defence mechanisms; evolutionary history; infection; innate immunity; vertebrates.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Vertebrates / immunology*