Scientists identify Live Immune Cells in Coral and Sea Anemone

In a recent study, a team of scientists identified specialized live immune cells in cauliflower coral and starlet sea anemone that can help fight infection. The study, titled "Functional Characterization of Hexacorallia Phagocytic Cells" was recently published.

The Discovery

• In the study, the researchers exposed foreign particles such as bacteria, fungal antigens and beads into a cauliflower coral (Pocillopora damicornis) and starlet sea anemone (Nematostella vectensis) in the laboratory.
• Employing a process called fluorescence-activated cell sorting, they then isolated different cell populations.
• The Observations: The scientists observed that specialized cells, known as phagocytic cells, engulfed the foreign particles, while small, fluid-filled ....