Invertebrate immune systems specific, quasi-specific, or nonspecific?

Abstract

Until recently, it was widely accepted that invertebrates fail to show a high degree of specificity and memory in their immune strategies. Recent reports have challenged this view such that our understanding of the capabilities of the invertebrate immune systems needs to be reassessed. This account critically reviews the available evidence that suggests the existence of a high degree of memory and specificity in some invertebrates and seeks mechanistic explanations of such observations. It is postulated that elevated levels of phagocytosis may be a partial explanation for this phenomenon.