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Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2021) | Viewed by 18597

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Annalisa Grimaldi

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Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, DBSV, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
Interests: immunity; wound healing; angiogenesis and signaling pathways involved in innate immune response and regenerative processes in invertebrate animal model
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Dr. Maria Giovanna Parisi

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Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
Interests: humoral and cell-mediated innate immune system; inflammatory response and regeneration process in coastal marine animals; isolation of secondary metabolites and bioactive molecules from marine invertebrates and fish; functional responses to anthropogenic and environmental stressors in systemic bio-monitoring
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Dr. Nicolò Baranzini

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Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences on "Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research". Inflammation, innate immunity, homeostasis, and tissue repair are functionally linked and highly conserved processes. Due to the strict laws and guidelines that allow for and control the use of animals in scientific experimentation, the number of available animal species has been significantly reduced. Therefore, this Special Issue will bring together original research articles and reviews on cells and mechanisms involved in immunity, the regulation of inflammation and tissue regeneration processes, and molecules and immunity effectors with high biotechnological potential using invertebrates as complementary animal models, which are free of significant ethical considerations in relation to their use and regulatory restrictions, cost-effective, and easy to manipulate.

Prof. Dr. Annalisa Grimaldi
Dr. Maria Giovanna Parisi
Dr. Nicolò Baranzini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

innate immunity
inflammation
tissue remodeling and regeneration
cellular activity
cytokines
PRRs
CDs
cell–ECM interactions
collagen
in vivo and in vitro studies

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 205 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research

by Claudia La Corte, Nicolò Baranzini, Annalisa Grimaldi and Maria Giovanna Parisi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(12), 6843; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23126843 - 20 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1134

Abstract

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight the close functional and highly conserved link between innate immunity, homeostasis maintenance, inflammation, tissue remodeling and regeneration [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

19 pages, 7773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Diverse Transformer (Trf) Protein Family in the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus Acts through a Collaboration between Cellular and Humoral Immune Effector Arms

by Iryna Yakovenko, Asaf Donnyo, Or Ioscovich, Benyamin Rosental and Matan Oren

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(13), 6639; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22136639 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2637

Abstract

Sea urchins are long-living marine invertebrates with a complex innate immune system, which includes expanded families of immune receptors. A central immune gene family in sea urchins encodes the Transformer (Trf) proteins. The Trf family has been studied mainly in the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Here, we explore this protein family in the Mediterranean Sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The PlTrf genes and predicted proteins are highly diverse and show a typical Trf size range and structure. Coelomocytes and cell-free coelomic fluid from P. lividus contain different PlTrf protein repertoires with a shared subset, that bind specifically to E. coli. Using FACS, we identified five different P. lividus coelomocyte sub-populations with cell surface PlTrf protein expression. The relative abundance of the PlTrf-positive cells increases sharply following immune challenge with E. coli, but not following challenge with LPS or the sea urchin pathogen, Vibrio penaeicida. Phagocytosis of E. coli by P. lividus phagocytes is mediated through the cell-free coelomic fluid and is inhibited by blocking PlTrf activity with anti-SpTrf antibodies. Together, our results suggest a collaboration between cellular and humoral PlTrf-mediated effector arms in the P. lividus specific immune response to pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research)

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16 pages, 5385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mesoglea Extracellular Matrix Reorganization during Regenerative Process in Anemonia viridis (Forskål, 1775)

by Maria Giovanna Parisi, Annalisa Grimaldi, Nicolò Baranzini, Claudia La Corte, Mariano Dara, Daniela Parrinello and Matteo Cammarata

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(11), 5971; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22115971 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2978

Abstract

Given the anatomical simplicity and the extraordinary ability to regenerate missing parts of the body, Cnidaria represent an excellent model for the study of the mechanisms regulating regenerative processes. They possess the mesoglea, an amorphous and practically acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) located between the epidermis and the gastrodermis of the body and tentacles and consists of the same molecules present in the ECM of vertebrates, such as collagen, laminin, fibronectin and proteoglycans. This feature makes cnidarians anthozoans valid models for understanding the ECM role during regenerative processes. Indeed, it is now clear that its role in animal tissues is not just tissue support, but instead plays a key role during wound healing and tissue regeneration. This study aims to explore regenerative events after tentacle amputation in the Mediterranean anemone Anemonia viridis, focusing in detail on the reorganization of the ECM mesoglea. In this context, both enzymatic, biometric and histological experiments reveal how this gelatinous connective layer plays a fundamental role in the correct restoration of the original structures by modifying its consistency and stiffness. Indeed, through the deposition of collagen I, it might act as a scaffold and as a guide for the reconstruction of missing tissues and parts, such as amputated tentacles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research)

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16 pages, 5014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Protocol of Computer-Assisted Image Analysis Highlights the Presence of Hemocytes in the Regenerating Cephalic Tentacles of Adult Pomacea canaliculata

by Giulia Bergamini, Mohamad Ahmad, Marina Cocchi and Davide Malagoli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 5023; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22095023 - 09 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2550

Abstract

In humans, injuries and diseases can result in irreversible tissue or organ loss. This well-known fact has prompted several basic studies on organisms capable of adult regeneration, such as amphibians, bony fish, and invertebrates. These studies have provided important biological information and helped to develop regenerative medicine therapies, but important gaps concerning the regulation of tissue and organ regeneration remain to be elucidated. To this aim, new models for studying regenerative biology could prove helpful. Here, the description of the cephalic tentacle regeneration in the adult of the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata is presented. In this invasive mollusk, the whole tentacle is reconstructed within 3 months. Regenerating epithelial, connective, muscular and neural components are already recognizable 72 h post-amputation (hpa). Only in the early phases of regeneration, several hemocytes are retrieved in the forming blastema. In view of quantifying the hemocytes retrieved in regenerating organs, granular hemocytes present in the tentacle blastema at 12 hpa were counted, with a new and specific computer-assisted image analysis protocol. Since it can be applied in absence of specific cell markers and after a common hematoxylin-eosin staining, this protocol could prove helpful to evidence and count the hemocytes interspersed among regenerating tissues, helping to unveil the role of immune-related cells in sensory organ regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research)

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14 pages, 2531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Endocannabinoid System in the Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: Possible Mediators of the Immune Activity?

by Francesco Mosca, Osvaldo Zarivi, Natalia Battista, Mauro Maccarrone and Pietro Giorgio Tiscar

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4954; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22094954 - 07 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2388

Abstract

Anandamide (AEA) is one of the best characterized members of the endocannabinoid family and its involvement in many pathophysiological processes has been well documented in vertebrates and invertebrates. Here, we report the biochemical and functional characterization of key elements of the endocannabinoid system in hemocytes isolated from the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. We also show the effects of exogenous AEA, as well as of capsaicin, on the cell ability to migrate and to activate the respiratory burst, upon in vitro stimulation of phagocytosis. Interestingly, our findings show that both AEA and capsaicin suppress the hemocyte response and that the use of selective antagonists of CB₂ and TRPV1 receptors revert their inhibitory effects. Overall, present data support previous evidence on the presence of endocannabinoid signaling in mollusks and advance our knowledge about the evolutionary origins of this endogenous system and its role in the innate response of mollusks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research)

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15 pages, 1430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arginase Activity in Eisenia andrei Coelomocytes: Function in the Earthworm Innate Response

by Joanna Homa, Alina Klosowska and Magdalena Chadzinska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(7), 3687; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22073687 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2041

Abstract

Arginase is the manganese metalloenzyme catalyzing the conversion of l-arginine to l-ornithine and urea. In vertebrates, arginase is involved in the immune response, tissue regeneration, and wound healing and is an important marker of alternative anti-inflammatory polarization of macrophages. In invertebrates, data concerning the role of arginase in these processes are very limited. Therefore, in the present study, we focused on the changes in arginase activity in the coelomocytes of Eisenia andrei. We studied the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), heavy metals ions (e.g., Mn²⁺), parasite infection, wound healing, and short-term fasting (5 days) on arginase activity. For the first time in earthworms, we described arginase activity in the coelomocytes and found that it can be up-regulated upon in vitro stimulation with LPS and H₂O₂ and in the presence of Mn²⁺ ions. Moreover, arginase activity was also up-regulated in animals in vivo infected with nematodes or experiencing segment amputation, but not in fasting earthworms. Furthermore, we confirmed that the activity of coelomocyte arginase can be suppressed by l-norvaline. Our studies strongly suggest that similarly to the vertebrates, also in the earthworms, coelomocyte arginase is an important element of the immune response and wound healing processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research)

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22 pages, 9041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Injury-Induced Innate Immune Response During Segment Regeneration of the Earthworm, Eisenia andrei

by Kornélia Bodó, Zoltán Kellermayer, Zoltán László, Ákos Boros, Bohdana Kokhanyuk, Péter Németh and Péter Engelmann

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(5), 2363; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22052363 - 27 Feb 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3468

Abstract

Regeneration of body parts and their interaction with the immune response is a poorly understood aspect of earthworm biology. Consequently, we aimed to study the mechanisms of innate immunity during regeneration in Eisenia andrei earthworms. In the course of anterior and posterior regeneration, we documented the kinetical aspects of segment restoration by histochemistry. Cell proliferation peaked at two weeks and remitted by four weeks in regenerating earthworms. Apoptotic cells were present throughout the cell renewal period. Distinct immune cell (e.g., coelomocyte) subsets were accumulated in the newly-formed blastema in the close proximity of the apoptotic area. Regenerating earthworms have decreased pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (e.g., TLR, except for scavenger receptor) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (e.g., lysenin) mRNA patterns compared to intact earthworms. In contrast, at the protein level, mirroring regulation of lysenins became evident. Experimental coelomocyte depletion caused significantly impaired cell divisions and blastema formation during anterior and posterior regeneration. These obtained novel data allow us to gain insight into the intricate interactions of regeneration and invertebrate innate immunity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invertebrate Models in Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Research)

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