Mechanisms and consequence of bacteria detection by the Drosophila gut epithelium

Since insect mostly developed on decaying matter and contaminated fruits, they are constantly ingesting bacteria. The insect model, Drosophila, is therefore well adapted to study the interactions that take place between the gut epithelia and either resident or infectious bacteria. In order to provide an ad hoc immune response, gut epithelial cells must detect the presence of bacteria. In a recent report, Bosco-Drayon et al. identify the main receptors by which Drosophila sense gut associated bacteria and analyze how this bacteria-receptor interaction translate into gene activation.