Evolution of defense mechanism in early vertebrates: A comparative analysis between extinct and extant jawless vertebrates

Abstract

Early jawless vertebrates, both extinct and extant, exhibited unique defense strategies to survive in their environment. Fossil records reveal morphological and sensory adaptations in extinct jawless vertebrates, while extant vertebrates like lampreys and hagfish have more complex cellular and molecular defense mechanisms, including antigen-specific VLRs. Comparing defense systems provides a deeper understanding of immune evolution.