The Vertebrate Immune System: Insights from the Reptilian Perspective

Dear Colleagues,

We invite original research papers that explore how the immune function of reptiles has shaped vertebrate life. Reptile immune function is unique in that it combines aspects of both innate and adaptive immunity and must deal with the physiological constraints of ectothermy. One of the most recognisable traits of reptiles is their skin, and it was the advent of a robust physical barrier to form an initial line of defense against invading pathogens that allowed for terrestrial colonisation and radiation of these early vertebrates. A sound understanding of reptile immunity is essential for conservation efforts, disease management, and improving the health of captive animals. Research in this field continues to unveil the intricacies of reptilian immune systems, shedding light on their adaptations and vulnerabilities in the face of emerging novel pathogens and environmental change. The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight advances in this important field. You are invited to submit either an original research article or a review that focuses on how reptile immunity functions and responds to disease within this important taxon.

Dr. T. Franciscus Scheelings
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• reptile immunity
• reptile innate immunity
• adaptive immunity in reptiles
• vaccination
• cytokines
• immuno-pathology
• pathogens
• haematology
• evolution
• disease resistance