0000000000485903
AUTHOR
ÉVa Kurucz
Nimrod, a Putative Phagocytosis Receptor with EGF Repeats in Drosophila Plasmatocytes
SummaryThe hemocytes, the blood cells of Drosophila, participate in the humoral and cellular immune defense reactions against microbes and parasites [1–8]. The plasmatocytes, one class of hemocytes, are phagocytically active and play an important role in immunity and development by removing microorganisms as well as apoptotic cells. On the surface of circulating and sessile plasmatocytes, we have now identified a protein, Nimrod C1 (NimC1), which is involved in the phagocytosis of bacteria. Suppression of NimC1 expression in plasmatocytes inhibited the phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus. Conversely, overexpression of NimC1 in S2 cells stimulated the phagocytosis of both S. aureus and Esc…
Definition ofDrosophilahemocyte subsets by cell-type specific antigens
We analyzed the heterogeneity of Drosophila hemocytes on the basis of the expression of cell-type specific antigens. The antigens characterize distinct subsets which partially overlap with those defined by morphological criteria. On the basis of the expression or the lack of expression of blood cell antigens the following hemocyte populations have been defined: crystal cells, plasmatocytes, lamellocytes and precursor cells. The expression of the antigens and thus the different cell types are developmentally regulated. The hemocytes are arranged in four main compartments: the circulating blood cells, the sessile tissue, the lymph glands and the posterior hematopoietic tissue. Each hemocyte c…
A rapid rosetting method for separation of hemocyte sub-populations of Drosophila melanogaster.
Hemocytes, cellular elements of the innate immune system in insects, play a crucial role in the cellular and humoral immune response. Although a significant amount of information has been collected on their differentiation and function, our understanding of hemocyte development is far from complete. Their characterisation is mostly based on morphological criteria. However, molecular markers were recently identified, defining functional subsets by the aid of monoclonal antibodies. Isolated subsets of hemocytes, in sufficient quantity and purity could help to analyse their development in vitro and also to further define their molecular characteristics. Here we describe an antibody-based roset…