Informations pratiques sur cette ressource

Description de la ressource pédagogique

Description (résumé)

The co-evolution of parasites and hosts has shaped the immune system. One such ?arms race? is between parasitic nematodes and their molluscan hosts. One such species (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) can infect and kill several gastropod species and has been formulated into a biological control agent (Nemaslug®) for farmers and gardeners. In order to defend themselves from P. hermaphrodita infection we have recently found that several snail species encapsulate and kill nematodes by producing unknown cells which fuse them to the inner part of the shell. This is a rapid process occurring over 48 hours and can encapsulate hundreds of nematodes at once. Field studies have shown this is a common occurrence in snail shells collected across the U.K. and in northern Europe. By viewing conchology collections at Liverpool and Manchester museums we have shown this immune response is highly evolutionary conserved and the nematodes encapsulated and fused to the inner shell and will remain there for hundreds of years. This could allow for identification and understanding of the diversity of nematode species encased in the shells from hundreds, even thousands of years. We are pursing this idea as well as investigating the utility of micro CT scanning to be used to observe nematodes in snail shells. Also we have been using genetics and genomics to understand the diversity of nematodes fixed in shells. Our ultimate aim is to unravel how the snails? shell has been co-opted to kill parasites.  

"Domaine(s)" et indice(s) Dewey

• Biochimie (572)

Thème(s)