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. 1996 Sep 17;93(19):10343–10347. doi: 10.1073/pnas.93.19.10343

Origins of immunity: Relish, a compound Rel-like gene in the antibacterial defense of Drosophila.

M S Dushay 1, B Asling 1, D Hultmark 1
PMCID: PMC38386  PMID: 8816802

Abstract

NF-kappa B/Rel transcription factors are central regulators of mammalian immunity and are also implicated in the induction of cecropins and other antibacterial peptides in insects. We identified the gene for Relish, a compound Drosophila protein that, like mammalian p105 and p100, contains both a Rel homology domain and an I kappa B-like domain. Relish is strongly induced in infected flies, and it can activate transcription from the Cecropin A1 promoter. A Relish transcript is also detected in early embryos, suggesting that it acts in both immunity and embryogenesis. The presence of a compound Rel protein in Drosophila indicates that similar proteins were likely present in primordial immune systems and may serve unique signaling functions.

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