The humoral immune response of the lepidopteran model insect, silkworm Bombyx mori L., to microbial pathogens

Highlights • Immunity and infection studies revealed a detailed understanding of the silkworm innate immunity.• The immune system is comprised of conserved components: PRRs, signal transducers, and effectors.• Different signaling pathways are selectively activated to specific microbial pathogens.• Humoral immune response is crucial in activating the production of AMPs, melanization, and ROS.• Understanding the silkworm innate immunity has potential applications in agriculture.