Reporter gene expression is induced inresponse to injection of complete Freund's adjuvant in late third instarlarvae (96-120hr). Younger animals do not express the reporter gene inresponse to the injection. From pupariation on, there is a gradualdecrease in the response to the challenge. In response to live bacteria, afaint response is seen in second instar larvae and a full response is seenin adults.
Adults are pricked with a sterile needle dipped in culture pellets of various living microorganisms (distinct bacterial strains, fungal spores or hyphae). The level of induction of the reporter gene varies with the microorganism tested. Pricking results in a low but clearly detectable expression of all antimicrobial genes and these genes are induced above the background level by specific classes of microorganism.
Reichhart
