Drosophila melanogaster embryonic haemocytes: masters of multitasking.
Drosophila melanogaster haemocytes constitute the cellular arm of a robust innate immune system in flies. In the adult and larva, these cells operate as the first line of defence against invading microorganisms: they phagocytose pathogens and produce antimicrobial peptides. However, in the sterile environment of the embryo, these important immune functions are largely redundant. Instead, throughout development, embryonic haemocytes are occupied with other tasks: they undergo complex migrations and carry out several non-immune functions that are crucial for successful embryogenesis.
Wood
Will
W
Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK. w.wood@bath.ac.uk
Jacinto
Antonio
A
D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology*; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D017344:Genes, Insect; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000502:physiology; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D014157:Transcription Factors