The study of molluscan immune systems, and in particular those of bivalve molluscs (clams, oysters, scallops, mussels, etc.) has experienced great growth in recent decades, mainly due to the needs of a rapidly growing aquaculture industry to manage the impacts of disease and the application of -omic tools to this diverse group of invertebrate organisms. Several unique aspects of molluscan immune systems highlighted in this chapter include the importance of feeding behavior and mucosal immunity, the discovery of unique levels of diversity in immune genes, and experimental indication of transgenerational immune priming. The development of comparative functional studies using natural and selectively bred disease-resistant strains, together with the potential but yet to be fully developed application of gene-editing technologies, should provide exciting insights into the functional relevance of immune gene family expansion and molecular diversification in bivalves. Other areas of bivalve immunity that deserve further study include elucidation of the process of hematopoiesis, the molecular characterization of hemocyte subpopulations, and the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying immune priming. While the most important aspects of the immune system of the largest group of molluscs, gastropods (e.g., snails and slugs), are discussed in detail in Chap. 12, we also briefly outline the most distinctive features of the immune system of another fascinating group of marine molluscs, cephalopods, which include invertebrate animals with extraordinary morphological and behavioral complexity.

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Here, three researchers who have recently embarked on careers in cephalopod biology discuss the current state of the field and offer their hopes for the future. Seven major topics are explored: genetics, aquaculture, climate change, welfare, behavior, cognition, and neurobiology. Recent developments in each of these fields are reviewed and the potential of emerging technologies to address specific gaps in knowledge about cephalopods are discussed. Throughout, the authors highlight specific challenges that merit particular focus in the near-term. This review and prospectus is also intended to suggest some concrete near-term goals to cephalopod researchers and inspire those working outside the field to consider the revelatory potential of these remarkable creatures.

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