Drosophila lamin mutations cause melanotic mass formation and lamellocyte differentiation

The fruit fly immune system is a valuable model for invertebrate and innate immunity. Cellular immune reactions in Drosophila are of great interest, especially the molecular genetic mechanisms of hemocyte differentiation and the encapsulation of foreign bodies. Here we report that changes in the lamin gene cause melanotic masses. These darkened clusters of cells result from autoimmune-like encapsulation of self-tissue, as shown by the presence in lam larvae of lamellocytes, effector hemocytes that appear in larvae following wounding or parasitization. Lamins thus affect immunity in Drosophila, and lam mutations can serve as genetic tools to dissect cellular immune signaling and effector pathways.