Pangolin scales as adaptations for innate immunity against pathogens.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pangolins are the only mammals that have overlapping scales covering most of their bodies, and they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, biological research, and human health and disease. Previous studies indicated pangolin scale might provide an important mechanical defense to themselves. The origin and exact functions of this unique trait remain a mystery. Using a multi-omics analysis approach, we report a novel functional explanation for how mammalian scales can provide host-pathogen defense.

Results

Our data suggest that pangolin scales have a sophisticated structure that could potentially trap pathogens. We identified numerous proteins and metabolites exhibiting antimicrobial activity, which could suggest a role for scales in pathogen defense. Notably, we fo

SUBMITTER: Tian X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11472485 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature