biostudies-literatureBechsgaard JEuropean Research CouncilNHGRI NIH HHSNational Human Genome Research Institute277-91https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4744526biostudies-literatureUnknown29(2)Analyses of arthropod genomes have shown that the genes in the different innate humoral immune responses are conserved. These genes encode proteins that are involved in immune signalling pathways that recognize pathogens and activate immune responses. These immune responses include phagocytosis, encapsulation of the pathogen and production of effector molecules for pathogen elimination. So far, most studies have focused on insects leaving other major arthropod groups largely unexplored. Here, we annotate the immune-related genes of six arachnid genomes and present evidence for a conserved pattern of some immune genes, but also evolutionary changes in the arachnid immune system. Specifically, our results suggest that the family of recognition molecules of beta-1,3-glucanase-related proteinsJournal of evolutionary biologyComparative genomic study of arachnid immune systems indicates loss of beta-1,3-glucanase-related proteins and the immune deficiency pathway.PMC4744526U54 HG003273282163ERC StG-2011_282163Vanthournout BRichards SBilde TFunch PVestbo SGibbs RAEnghild JJSanggaard KWBechsgaard JfalseComparative genomic study of arachnid immune systems indicates loss of beta-1,3-glucanase-related proteins and the immune deficiency pathway.Analyses of arthropod genomes have shown that the genes in the different innate humoral immune responses are conserved. These genes encode proteins that are involved in immune signalling pathways that recognize pathogens and activate immune responses. These immune responses include phagocytosis, encapsulation of the pathogen and production of effector molecules for pathogen elimination. So far, most studies have focused on insects leaving other major arthropod groups largely unexplored. Here, we annotate the immune-related genes of six arachnid genomes and present evidence for a conserved pattern of some immune genes, but also evolutionary changes in the arachnid immune system. Specifically, our results suggest that the family of recognition molecules of beta-1,3-glucanase-related proteins2016-01-01T00:00:00Z2016 Feb2025-04-21T19:22:40.116Z2019-03-27T02:08:37ZS-EPMC47445262652862210.1111/jeb.12780