One day is enough: rapid and specific host-parasite interactions in a stickleback-trematode system.

ABSTRACT: Red Queen models of host-parasite coevolution are based on genotype by genotype host-parasite interactions. Such interactions require a genotype specific host defence and, simultaneously, a genotype specific parasite infectivity. Specificity is defined here as defence or infection ability successful against only a subset of genotypes of the same species. A specific defence depends on detectable genotypic variation on the parasite side and on a host defence mechanism that differentiates between parasite genotypes. In vertebrates, the MHC-based adaptive immune system can provide such a defence mechanism, but it needs at least several days to get fully mounted. In contrast, the innate immune system is immediately ready. The trematode parasite species used here reaches the immunologically prot

SUBMITTER: Rauch G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1686187 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature