06 Oca 2025 Pazartesi
The role of haemocytes in insect immunity: A review of advances in haemocyte research and modern approaches in insect immunology
Abstract : Insects rely on a well-adapted, open circulatory system, with haemolymph serving as a medium for immunity, nutrient transport, and physiological regulation. Haemocytes, the cellular components within haemolymph, are functionally analogous to vertebrate white blood cells, playing a pivotal role in defence and tissue repair. This study reviews the characteristics, classification, and analytical methods for haemocytes in insects, emphasizing their immune function and the technological advancements in cell counting. While traditional hemocytometry remains a standard approach for differential haemocyte counting, recent developments, including fluorescent staining and automated cell counters, offer enhanced precision and reduced processing time. The study also highlights the challenges in haemocyte classification due to morphological variability under different conditions, suggesting a combined approach of microscopy, histochemistry, and cytology for optimal classification. This review underscores the value of haemocytes in immunological research, given their similarity to vertebrate immune cells, and discusses how emerging technologies can provide greater insight into invertebrate immunology.