Techniques in Insect Immunology

Download or read book Techniques in Insect Immunology written by Andreas Wiesner and published by SOS Publications (NJ). This book was released on 1998 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The importance of insects for human welfare is unquestionable. This laboratory manual summarizes a number of key methods used by insect immunologists around the world. It should be helpful for those already working in this field & especially for scientists with general interest in this research topic as a methodical guide for the first steps. The experiments are described in detail, with step-by-step directions. Basic procedure for activation, detection, quantification & characterization of cellular & humoral defense reactions are given, along with protocols for more detailed investigations of cell differentiation & isolation of insect immune factors. Population genetic aspect, viral pathology & comparative studies revealing similarities with the vertebrate immune system are also included. The result described in the chapters show remarkable progress in our understanding of insect immunology. Simultaneously, the large number of still-unanswered questions make us realize that we have a lot left to learn about these fascinating animals. From future investigation we can expect a better understanding of the immune system's evolution, the discovery of new antimicrobial & regulatory insect molecules potentially useful in the therapy of human disease & new strategies for insect control.