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Published on: March 21, 2014
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Behavioral avoidance of pathogenic bacteria by Caenorhabditis elegans
Joshua D Meisel1, Dennis H Kim1
1Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Trends in Immunology
|September 22, 2014
Summary
Caenorhabditis elegans uses its nervous system to avoid pathogens, demonstrating a learned immune response. This behavior involves conserved signaling pathways applicable to diverse host-microbe interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits behavioral avoidance to pathogens.
- This avoidance response shares characteristics with immune responses, involving learning and recognition systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review findings on how C. elegans uses its nervous system to respond to microbial cues.
- To explore conserved signaling modules in immunity and neuronal responses to bacteria.
- To discuss insights into host-microbe interactions from C. elegans models.
Main Methods:
- Defining neuronal circuits for aversive learning.
- Identifying natural polymorphisms affecting avoidance behavior.
- Reviewing studies on microbial cue sensing and host responses in C. elegans.
Main Results:
- Neuronal circuits for aversive learning have been identified.
- Conserved signaling modules play dual roles in immunity and neuronal responses.
- Natural genetic variations influence pathogen avoidance behavior.
Conclusions:
- C. elegans' nervous system mediates protective avoidance of pathogens.
- Understanding these host-microbe interactions provides insights into evolutionarily diverse responses.
- Polymorphisms offer a molecular-level view of host-microbe interactions.
