Evaluation of teratocyte functions: An overview

Teratocytes, derived from extra‐embryonic tissues of parasitic Braconidae, Trichogrammatidae, and Scelionidae, play several important roles in the parasitoid‐host interaction. It is clear from the literature that the specific role (s) vary among species. Only recently have the biochemical and endocrinological roles of these cells been considered. This overview examines the recent literature on teratocytes and stresses the importance of in vitro procedures to elucidate the functional roles (trophic, immunosuppression, secretory) of teratocytes in the parasitoid‐host relationship.