Antimicrobial peptides do not directly contribute to aging in Drosophila, but improve lifespan by preventing dysbiosis.

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are innate immune effectors first studied for their role in host defence. Recent studies have implicated these peptides in the clearance of aberrant cells and in neurodegenerative syndromes. In Drosophila, many AMPs are produced downstream of Toll and Imd NF-κB pathways upon infection. Upon aging, AMPs are upregulated, drawing attention to these molecules as possible causes of age-associated inflammatory diseases. However, functional studies overexpressing or silencing these genes have been inconclusive. Using an isogenic set of AMP gene deletions, we investigated the net impact of AMPs on aging. Overall, we found no major effect of individual AMPs on lifespan, with the possible exception of Defensin. However, ΔAMP14 flies lacking seven AMP gene families displ

SUBMITTER: Hanson MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10163324 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature