Advances in immunological research of amphioxus.

Amphioxus, one of the most closely related invertebrates to vertebrates, is an important animal model for studying the origin and evolution of vertebrate immunity, especially the transition from innate immunity to adaptive immunity. The current research progresses of amphioxus in the field of immune organs, immune cells, complement system, cytokines, nuclear factor kappa B, immune-related lectins and enzymes are summarized, and some issues that remain to be understood or are in need of further clarification are highlighted. We hope to provide references for more in-depth study of the amphioxus immune system and lay a solid foundation for the construction of three-dimensional immune network in amphioxus from ontogeny to phylogeny. • Amphioxus is an important model for studying the origin and evolution of vertebrate immunity. • This paper summarizes advances in immunological research of amphioxus. • This review highlights some issues that need to be understood or further clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]