Local and long-range activation of innate immunity by infection and damage in C. elegans

•Danger associated molecular patterns and mechanical stimulation of innate immunity.•Disruption of core cellular machinery or DNA damage stimulates innate immunity.•Integration of stress responses and innate immunity.•Innate immune signalling between tissues (germline, neurons, epithelia).

The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans lends itself naturally to investigation of innate immunity, from the scale of molecules to the whole animal. Numerous studies have begun to reveal the complex interplay of signalling mechanisms that underlie host defence in C. elegans. We discuss here research that illustrates the connection between cell and tissue-level homeostatic mechanisms and the activation of innate immune signalling pathways. These are woven together to provide a comprehensive organismal protection against perceived threats.

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