Cellular immune defenses of Drosophila melanogaster

• Genetic studies uncovered a number of essential functions for Drosophila hemocytes.
• Hemocytes make several distinct contributions to Drosophila immune responses.
• Insights into Drosophila hemocyte development and function illuminate related processes in vertebrate counterparts.

Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model for the characterization of blood cell development and function, with an array of protocols for the manipulation and visualization of fixed or live cells in vitro or in vivo. Researchers have deployed these techniques to reveal Drosophila hemocytes as a remarkably versatile cell type that engulfs apoptotic corpses; neutralizes invading parasites; seals epithelial wounds; and deposits extracellular matrix proteins. In this review, we will discuss the key features of Drosophila hemocyte development and function, and identify similarities with vertebrate counterparts.