A Variety of Immune Systems In summary, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates have multiple, • nonspecific immune responses. Examples include: Invertebrate immune systems have nonspecific response mechanisms, but they lack – pathogen-specific defense responses. Plant defenses against pathogens include molecular recognition systems with – systemic responses; infection triggers chemical responses that destroy infected and adjacent cells, thus localizing the effects. Vertebrate immune systems have nonspecific and non-heritable defense – mechanisms against pathogens.
A Variety of Immune Systems • In summary, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates have multiple, nonspecific immune responses. Examples include: – Invertebrate immune systems have nonspecific response mechanisms, but they lack pathogen-specific defense responses. – Plant defenses against pathogens include molecular recognition systems with systemic responses; infection triggers chemical responses that destroy infected and adjacent cells, thus localizing the effects. – Vertebrate immune systems have nonspecific and non-heritable defense mechanisms against pathogens.