Toll mediated infection response is altered by gravity and spaceflight in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Space travel presents unlimited opportunities for exploration and discovery, but requires better understanding of the biological consequences of long-term exposure to spaceflight. Immune function in particular is relevant for space travel. Human immune responses are weakened in space, with increased vulnerability to opportunistic infections and immune-related conditions. In addition, microorganisms can become more virulent in space, causing further challenges to health. To understand these issues better and to contribute to design of effective countermeasures, we used the Drosophila model of innate immunity to study immune responses in both hypergravity and spaceflight. Focusing on infections mediated through the conserved Toll and Imd signaling pathways, we found that hypergravity improve

SUBMITTER: Taylor K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3901686 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature