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Article: Hints of primitive antibodies. (First Line of Defense).
- Article from:
- Science News
- Article date:
- November 9, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The lowly lancelet makes a living by burying itself in the sand, sticking out its mouth, and filtering tiny critters from seawater. Such feeding behavior probably exposes this common marine invertebrate to a wealth of infectious microbes. So, the finger-length animal may require something special in its immune system.
Scientists have now discovered in the animals' guts molecules that resemble the antibodies of more-sophisticated animals. The finding may also offer a clue to how complex immune systems evolved.
Lancelets and other invertebrates wield a primitive, or innate, immune system. It can recognize the creature's own cells and reject foreign bodies. ...