**The Uniqueness of** *Achatina fulica* **in its Evolutionary Success**

Sandip Mukherjee, Shuvasree Sarkar, Chayan Munshi and Shelley Bhattacharya

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/68134

#### **Abstract**

The increasing load of environmental pollutants poses a serious threat over the globe. In this vulnerable situation, it is essential to have alternative sources of medicines, may be from invertebrates. Among invertebrates, although molluscs are known for their con‐ sumption as food and ethno‐medicinal use, the importance of these animals is still over‐ looked. Presently attention has been geared toward molluscs including *A*c*hatina fulica* which are now considered as one of the most evolutionary successful animals. During the last few decades, researchers are trying to decipher their complex immune system to harvest valuable molecules to treat human diseases. In the present review, the existence of important immunological factors in *Achatina* is discussed addressing the coagulation system, innate immune molecules, bioactive proteins and lastly the enigmatic C‐reactive proteins.

**Keywords:** *Achatina fulica*, innate immunity, antibacterial activity
