Antiviral immunity in drosophila

Genetic analysis of the drosophila antiviral response indicates that RNA interference plays a major role. This contrasts with the situation in mammals, where interferon-induced responses mediate innate antiviral host-defense. An inducible response also contributes to antiviral immunity in drosophila, and similarities in the sensing and signaling of viral infection are becoming apparent between drosophila and mammals. In particular, DExD/H box helicases appear to play a crucial role in the cytosolic detection of viral RNAs in flies and mammals.