title: Cellular immune defenses of Drosophila melanogaster.
abstract: Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model for the characterization of blood cell development and function, with an array of protocols for the manipulation and visualization of fixed or live cells in vitro or in vivo. Researchers have deployed these techniques to reveal Drosophila hemocytes as a remarkably versatile cell type that engulfs apoptotic corpses; neutralizes invading parasites; seals epithelial wounds; and deposits extracellular matrix proteins. In this review, we will discuss the key features of Drosophila hemocyte development and function, and identify similarities with vertebrate counterparts.
authors.affiliation: 1B3.14, 8440-112 Street, Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2J2, Canada.
authors.forename: Brendon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Parsons
authors.affiliation: University of Alberta, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Canada. Electronic address: efoley@ualberta.ca.
authors.forename: Edan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Foley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002465:Cell Movement; D002470:Cell Survival; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D010587:Phagocytosis
keywords: Cellular immunity; Chemotaxis; Drosophila; Hematopoiesis; Phagocytosis