Differential proteomics for studying Drosophila immunity

Here, we report the identification of proteins associated with the immune response of Drosophila by analyzing the hemolymph profiles after infection. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis was used to study the secretome in the hemolymph of Drosophila larvae. Shortly after induction with lipopolysaccharides, we identified 10 proteins, which we designated "Drosophila instantly released immune proteins". Infection with Micrococcus luteus or Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced 20 and 19 differential protein spots, respectively. Next to known immune proteins, new candidates that require further investigation were identified.