International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 197-210 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 197 Review Article Open Access The Role of Immune Function in Longevity and Adaptation in Vertebrates Hui Liu, Shiqiang Huang Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding author: shiqiang.huang@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0018 Received: 01 May, 2024 Accepted: 10 Jun., 2024 Published: 01 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu and Huang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu H., and Huang S.Q., 2024, The role of immune function in longevity and adaptation in vertebrates, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(4): 197-210 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0018) Abstract Longevity and adaptation are critical aspects of vertebrate biology, where the immune system plays a central role in maintaining health and survival across diverse environments. This study explores the intricate relationships between immune function, lifespan, and environmental adaptation in vertebrates. It begins by providing an overview of vertebrate longevity and adaptation, followed by a detailed examination of the immune system's components and evolutionary mechanisms; then delves into the link between immune function and longevity, discussing key processes such as immunosenescence and inflammation, and highlights comparative studies across different vertebrate species. The role of immune function in adaptation, particularly in extreme environments, is also discussed, with a focus on genetic and physiological adaptations in Arctic vertebrates. A case study on the naked mole rat illustrates the unique immune characteristics that contribute to its exceptional lifespan. This study further explores the interplay between immune function, longevity, and disease resistance, emphasizing the trade-offs involved; finally, discusses the implications of immune function for conservation and wildlife management, and suggest future research directions, including the potential for translational applications in medicine and conservation. This study underscores the importance of integrating immune function studies into broader research on vertebrate longevity and adaptation. Keywords Vertebrate longevity; Immune function; Adaptation; Immunosenescence; Environmental adaptation 1 Introduction Longevity and adaptation are critical aspects of vertebrate biology, influencing survival and reproductive success across diverse environments. This process is driven by natural selection, where advantageous traits become more common in the population over successive generations (Li and Chen, 2024). Vertebrates exhibit a wide range of lifespans and adaptive strategies, from the short-lived and highly adaptable to the long-lived and specialized. The evolutionary emergence of vertebrates brought about significant innovations, including the development of complex immune systems that play a pivotal role in these processes (Boehm et al., 2012; Liu et al., 2019). The interplay between longevity and adaptation is evident in the physiological and genetic mechanisms that underpin these traits, with immune function being a central component (Omotoso et al., 2021). The immune system is essential for maintaining homeostasis and defending against pathogens, which is crucial for the survival and longevity of vertebrates. Vertebrate immunity is characterized by both innate and adaptive components, each contributing to the organism's ability to respond to and remember pathogens (Romo et al., 2016; Boehm et al., 2018). Innate immunity provides the first line of defense and is present in all vertebrates, while adaptive immunity, which includes the development of immunological memory, is a hallmark of vertebrate evolution (Boehm, 2012). The adaptive immune system's ability to remember and respond more effectively to previously encountered pathogens is particularly important for long-lived species, as it enhances their ability to survive repeated exposures to infectious agents (Vinkler and Albrecht, 2011; Netea et al., 2016). This study explores the role of immune function in the longevity and adaptation of vertebrates; examines the evolutionary history of vertebrate immune systems, highlighting key innovations and their impact on survival and adaptation; additionally, discusses the mechanisms by which immune function influences lifespan and how different vertebrate species have adapted their immune responses to their specific ecological niches. By integrating findings from various studies, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between immune function, longevity, and adaptation in vertebrates.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==