Hemocyte-mediated phagocytosis differs between honey bee (Apis mellifera) worker castes.

ABSTRACT: Honey bees as other insects rely on the innate immune system for protection against diseases. The innate immune system includes the circulating hemocytes (immune cells) that clear pathogens from hemolymph (blood) by phagocytosis, nodulation or encapsulation. Honey bee hemocyte numbers have been linked to hemolymph levels of vitellogenin. Vitellogenin is a multifunctional protein with immune-supportive functions identified in a range of species, including the honey bee. Hemocyte numbers can increase via mitosis, and this recruitment process can be important for immune system function and maintenance. Here, we tested if hemocyte mediated phagocytosis differs among the physiologically different honey bee worker castes (nurses, foragers and winter bees), and study possible interactions with vi

SUBMITTER: Hystad EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5587260 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature