Antimicrobial Peptides in Insect Immunity

Abstract

With around one million named species and probably 8–10 times that number unnamed, insects account for the great majority of animal species on earth. Insects can be found in almost all terrestrial and freshwater habitats, from the driest deserts to freshwater ponds, from the canopy of a tropical rainforest (where their diversity is unbelievably great) to the arctic wastes. They are a tremendously successful group. They are a fundamental part of our ecosystem. They are responsible for the pollination of many plants; the decomposition of organic materials, facilitating the recycling of carbon, nitrogen, and other essential nutrients; the control of populations of harmful invertebrate species (including other insects); the direct production of certain foods (honey, for example); and the manufacture of useful products such as silk. However, they are often considered as negative, mainly because they are important vectors of animal and human diseases.