This article summarizes the medical, ecological, industrial and biotechnological importance of actinomycetes. At present, according to a new hierarchic classification system, they are the most representative group of Actinobacteria classis nov. These unusual microorganisms with such rich biological activity have had a confusing history and classification for over a hundred years. In this review, following subjects have been raised: important, but less known human, animal and plant pathogens as well as actinomycete-diseases; symbionts as endophytes in nitrogenase activity; agents of biological control; biodeterioration and biodegradation; primary and secondary metabolites including their biological, industrial and biotechnological importance. Additionally, some lipid compounds of cell wall as immunomodifiers have been also mentioned. Actinomycetic activities have always had far-reaching effects, and these are sure to remain in different guises.
Some results from structural and immunological studies of the major glycolipid from Rhodococcus equi were presented. This glycolipid showed to be a glucosylmonomycolate (GMM) with an aliphatic chain C38. Its value as taxonomic and immunodiagnostic marker was discussed.
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