Lepidopterans as model organisms in studies of insect immunity: a review

Abstract

Lepidoptera are one of the largest order among insects. Their role and importance for ecosystems is essential, especially in forestry and agricultural communities. Among the butterflies there are a large number of representatives, whose larvae are typically phyllophagous and play a significant role in the defoliation of a number of deciduous tree species. Many of them are storage pests or pests of fruit trees and crops. With an increasing demand and use of biological control approaches, such as applying entomopathogens, the question of immune mechanisms in these insects and their contribution to the study of insect immunity have become very significant. This review presents a summary including more than 40 lepidopteran species, which have been the subject of studies related to basic defense mechanisms, namely, the presence of antimicrobial peptides, hemocytes, immune and antiviral responses and signaling pathways.