Extracellular DNA traps in a ctenophore demonstrate conserved immune cell behaviors in a non-bilaterian

• DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.09.141010
• Publication Date: 2020-06-12T19:19:30Z
• Authors: Lauren E. Vandepas; Caroline Stefani; Phillip P. Domeier; Nikki Traylor-Kno...; Frederick W. Goetz; William E. Browne; Adam Lacy-Hulbert
• Keywords: Multicellular organism; Lineage (genetic)

Abstract The formation of extracellular DNA traps (ETosis) is a first response mechanism by specific immune cells following exposure to microbes 1,2 . Initially characterized in vertebrate neutrophils, capable ETosis have been discovered recently diverse non-vertebrate taxa 3 4-6 To assess the conservation between evolutionarily distant phyla, we observed and quantified using model ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi oyster Crassostrea gigas Here report that ctenophores – thought diverged very early from metazoan stem lineage 7-10 possess cell types phagocytosis ETosis. We demonstrate both undergo after chemical agents stimulate ion flux. Our results support as an ancient defense against pathogens.