Drosophila Responses to DNA Virus Infection

We have developed a model system to examine the response of Drosophila to DNA virus infection with Invertebrate Iridescent Virus 6 (IIV-6). This project has identified a novel p38-dependent pathway that is activated by IIV6 that protects from infection. Other novel mechanisms of host antiviral defense and viral evasion mechanisms are under investigation using this model.