Genome-wide analysis of the <i>Drosophila</i> immune response by using oligonucleotide microarrays

TLDR

Determining the function of these genes represents an important challenge for improving our knowledge of innate immunity. To identify new Drosophila genes involved in the immune response. We monitored the gene expression profile of adult flies in response to microbial infection by using high‑density oligonucleotide microarrays encompassing nearly the full Drosophila genome. Of 13,197 genes tested, 230 were induced and 170 repressed by microbial infection, many of which were novel and could be linked to specific immune functions such as recognition, phagocytosis, coagulation, melanization, NF‑κB activation, antimicrobial peptide synthesis, reactive oxygen species production, iron metabolism regulation, and other unknown roles. Complete results may be found at http://www.fruitfly.org/expression/immunity/.

Abstract

To identify new Drosophila genes involved in the immune response, we monitored the gene expression profile of adult flies in response to microbial infection by using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays encompassing nearly the full Drosophila genome. Of 13,197 genes tested, we have characterized 230 induced and 170 repressed by microbial infection, most of which had not previously been associated with the immune response. Many of these genes can be assigned to specific aspects of the immune response, including recognition, phagocytosis, coagulation, melanization, activation of NF-kappaB transcription factors, synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, production of reactive oxygen species, and regulation of iron metabolism. Additionally, we found a large number of genes with unknown function that may be involved in control and execution of the immune response. Determining the function of these genes represents an important challenge for improving our knowledge of innate immunity. Complete results may be found at http://www.fruitfly.org/expression/immunity/.