Modulation of epithelial innate immunity by autocrine production of nitric oxide

Mechanisms of innate immunity especially with relevance to epithelial tissue, are currently the focus of intense research, as epithelial immunity greatly impacts on health and disease. However, many findings regarding innate immunity signalling pathways in vertebrates stems from research using the genetic model Drosophila melanogaster. Here we discuss the central importance of epithelial tissues in innate immunity in Drosophila: the modulation of the Imd pathway via autocrine production of nitric oxide (NO); and the central importance of the Malpighian (renal) tubule in immune function of the whole animal. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.