AUTHOR=Darby Andrea M. , Lazzaro Brian P. 

TITLE=Interactions between innate immunity and insulin signaling affect resistance to infection in insects

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1276357

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2023.1276357

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>An active immune response is energetically demanding and requires reallocation of nutrients to support resistance to and tolerance of infection. Insulin signaling is a critical global regulator of metabolism and whole-body homeostasis in response to nutrient availability and energetic needs, including those required for mobilization of energy in support of the immune system. In this review, we share findings that demonstrate interactions between innate immune activity and insulin signaling primarily in the insect model <italic>Drosophila melanogaster</italic> as well as other insects like <italic>Bombyx mori</italic> and <italic>Anopheles</italic> mosquitos. These studies indicate that insulin signaling and innate immune activation have reciprocal effects on each other, but that those effects vary depending on the type of pathogen, route of infection, and nutritional status of the host. Future research will be required to further understand the detailed mechanisms by which innate immunity and insulin signaling activity impact each other.</p>