Characterization of the Periplaneta americana immune response using image-based flow cytometry (P6068)

Abstract

Several reports have emerged demonstrating that many insect species have unanticipated “trained” immune responses, where immunization with a pathogen has a significant and lasting protective effect. This is particularly interesting considering that many of the well-characterized vertebrate adaptive cell subsets and humoral tools associated with immunological memory are absent in invertebrates. Here we report our investigations of immunity in Periplaneta americana, the cockroach, and the use of imaging flow cytometry to investigate cellular changes in response to pathogen exposure. Staining for cellular features such as nuclear and cell membrane morphology, lysosomes, and other subcellular structures were used to categorize cells and monitor their changes over the course of an immune response. Stains are also used to reveal proliferation of certain cell subsets. As cockroaches are worldwide pests in both homes and hospitals, how they manage infection will be of broad interest. Additionally, elucidating rudimentary systems of adaptive immunity in invertebrates may facilitate our development of therapeutics for immunocompromised vertebrates whose well-understood mechanisms of defense are dysfunctional.