Presence of IL-1-and TNF-like molecules in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) haemocytes and in an insect cell line from Estigmene acraea (Lepidoptera)

In this study the authors give immunocytochemical evidence for the presence of interleukin (IL)-1 alpha- and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha-like m olecules in the haemocytes of last instar larvae from the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella, Similar results are demonstrated in a continuous haemo cyte line (BTI-EA-1174-A) from the salt marsh caterpillar Estigmene acraea. In Galleria mellonella larvae granular cells show a strong positive reacti on with both primary antibodies, whereas plasmatocytes are stained to a les ser extent. Cell line haemocytes also react positively with both antibodies . After activating the cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) staining of Esti gmene acraea cells is decreased, whereas Galleria mellonella haemocytes sho w no visible reaction in comparison to non-activated cells. (C) 1999 Academ ic Press.