Pattern Recognition Receptors In The Crustacean Immune Response Against Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections represent a high risk in crustacean production and have a highly negative impact, generating important economic losses around the world. Research into immune mechanisms against bacterial infections could be a successful approach to mitigate their impact. The identification and characterization of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in crustaceans have advanced significantly. PRRs identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are well conserved in microorganisms. This interaction triggers intracellular signaling cascades and activates humoral and cellular mechanisms for the elimination of pathogens. In the present review, we discuss the participation of crustacean PRRs in the antibacterial response, immune gene expression, associated humoral and/or cellular mechanisms, and possible signaling pathways.