Prophenoloxidase

Prophenoloxidase (proPO) is a modified form of the complement response found in some invertebrates, including insects, crabs and worms.

[2] A major innate defense system in invertebrates is the melanization of pathogens and damaged tissues.

This important process is controlled by the enzyme phenoloxidase (PO).

[3] The conversion of prophenoloxidase to the active form of the enzyme can be brought about by minuscule amounts of molecules such as lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and beta-1,3-glucans from microorganisms.

[4] However, it still has many arguments in the innate immune function, especially in model invertebrate animal.