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Phagocytosis in Drosophila: From molecules and cellular machinery to physiology

Phagocytosis is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that plays a key role in both host defence and tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. A range of surface receptors expressed on different cell types allow discriminating between self and non-self (or altered) material, thus enabling phago...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Insect biochemistry and molecular biology 2019-06, Vol.109, p.1-12
Main Authors: Melcarne, C., Lemaitre, B., Kurant, E.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Phagocytosis is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that plays a key role in both host defence and tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. A range of surface receptors expressed on different cell types allow discriminating between self and non-self (or altered) material, thus enabling phagocytosis of pathogens and apoptotic cells. The phagocytosis process can be divided into four main steps: 1) binding of the phagocyte to the target particle, 2) particle internalization and phagosome formation, through remodelling of the plasma membrane, 3) phagosome maturation, and 4) particle destruction in the phagolysosome. In this review, we describe our present knowledge on phagocytosis in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, assessing each of the key steps involved in engulfment of both apoptotic cells and bacteria. We also assess the physiological role of phagocytosis in host defence, development and tissue homeostasis. [Display omitted] •Phagocytosis contributes to Drosophila host defense against fungi and bacteria.•Phagocytosis contribute to Drosophila development and neuronal function by removing apoptotic bodies.•Several phacgocytic receptors of the Nimrod family are involved in the recognition of apoptotic cells and microbes.
ISSN:0965-1748
1879-0240
DOI:10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.04.002