The role of pattern recognition receptors in the innate immune system of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Abstract

Eriocheir sinensis (Chinese mitten crab) is one of the main economic species in China, which has evolved an extremely sophisticated innate immune system to fend off disease invasions. However, bacterial and viral infections have caused significant financial losses for the E. sinensis aquaculture in recent years. Making well-informed judgments for the control microbial infections would require a thorough understanding and clarification of the intricate innate immune system of E. sinensis. Innate immunity is essential for the host's defense against invasive pathogens. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) initially recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and trigger an innate immune response, causing the generation of inflammatory cytokine and promoting the clearance and control of pathogens. In E. sinensis, Toll/Toll-like receptors, lipopolysaccharide and β-1,3-glucan binding proteins, C-type lectins, galactoside-binding lectins, L-type lectins, scavenger receptors, and down syndrome cell adhesion molecules have been identified to be PRRs that are involved in the recognition of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of the literature regarding PRRs' roles in the immunological defenses of E. sinensis, with the aim of providing clues to the mechanisms of innate immunity.