Drosophila host defense after oral infection by an entomopathogenic Pseudomonas species.

ABSTRACT: Drosophila has been shown to be a valuable model for the investigation of host-pathogen interactions. Study of the Drosophila immune response has been hampered, however, by the lack of true Drosophila pathogens. In nearly all studies reported, the bacteria used were directly injected within the body cavity of the insect, bypassing the initial steps of a natural interaction. Here, we report the identification of a previously uncharacterized bacterial species, Pseudomonas entomophila (Pe), which has the capacity to induce the systemic expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in Drosophila after ingestion. In contrast to previously identified bacteria, Pe is highly pathogenic to both Drosophila larvae and adults, and its persistence in larvae leads to a massive destruction of gut cells. Usin

SUBMITTER: Vodovar N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1183552 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature