CONCLUSION
Our current knowledge of bat, monotreme and marsupial immunology reveals their immune systems are comparable to those of other mammals. A comprehensive set of immune tissues, cells and receptors arm them with all components required to combat infections in a similar manner to other mammals.
However, research has uncovered unique immunological features within each group. Monotreme- and marsupial-specific families of NK receptors, TLRs, and TCRs provide insight into the immune system of the mammalian ancestor. Although the study of bat immunology, especially Australian bats, is in its early stages, research has begun to uncover novel immune strategies that enable them to coexist with pathogenic viruses without overt disease. Increased availability of genomic resources for monotremes, marsupials and Australian bats will enable continued characterisation and comparative analysis of immune gene families and function.
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Veterinarian -