Flatworms reveal exploding immune cells that kill surrounding tissue

Scientists have discovered 'ruptoblasts' in planarian flatworms, a unique type of immune cell that destroys itself and surrounding tissue to prevent the spread of foreign threats. This discovery offers new insights into evolutionary immune responses.
Why it matters
Understanding these primitive but effective immune mechanisms could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and transplant immunology.
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Robert Egan
Purely scientific reporting on biological research.
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