Impact of Microorganisms and Parasites on Neuronally Controlled <i>Drosophila</i> Behaviours

Abstract

Like all invertebrates, flies such as Drosophila lack an adaptive immune system and depend on their innate immune system to protect them against pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. In recent years, it appears that the nervous systems of eucaryotes not only control animal behavior but also cooperate and synergize very strongly with the animals’ immune systems to detect and fight potential pathogenic threats, and allow them to adapt their behavior to the presence of microorganisms and parasites that coexist with them. This review puts into perspective the latest progress made using the Drosophila model system, in this field of research, which remains in its infancy.

Keywords

• host–pathogen interactions
• behavioral immunity
• <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>
• neurons
• bacteria
• parasitoid wasps