It has been a century since the death of Élie Metchnikoff, who championed the role of
phagocytosis in cellular immunity. Whereas others had observed the uptake of particles by …

Abstract The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) provides an ideal
framework to establish multi-disciplinary research networks. COST Action BM1203 (EU …

Engulfment and destruction of invading microorganisms by phagocytosis are critical
components of the innate immune response. In addition, phagocytosis is also required for …

Recognition of microbial pathogens and dead cells and their phagocytic uptake by
specialized immune cells are essential to maintain host homeostasis. Phagosomes undergo …

Symbiotic interactions occur in all domains of life, providing organisms with resources to
adapt to new habitats. A prime example is the endosymbiosis between corals and …

In the marine environment, bivalve mollusks constitute habitats for bacteria of the
Vibrionaceae family. Vibrios belong to the microbiota of healthy oysters and mussels, which …

A variety of bivalve mollusks (phylum Mollusca, class Bivalvia) constitute a prominent
commodity in fisheries and aquacultures, but are also crucial in order to preserve our …

The soil-dwelling social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum feeds on bacteria. Each meal is
a potential infection because some bacteria have evolved mechanisms to resist predation …

Obesity and aging are two important epidemic factors for metabolic syndrome and many
other health issues, which contribute to devastating diseases such as cardiovascular …

Lysosomes are membrane-bound endocytic organelles that play a major role in degrading
cell macromolecules and recycling their building blocks. A comprehensive knowledge of the …