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Abstract
The NF-kappa B-like Relish gene is complex, with four transcripts that are all located
within an intron of the Nmdmc gene. Using deletion mutants, we show that Relish is
specifically required for the induction of the humoral immune response, including
both antibacterial and antifungal peptides. As a result, the Relish mutants are very
sensitive to infection. A single cell of E. cloacae is sufficient to kill a mutant
fly, and the mutants show increased susceptibility to fungal infection. In contrast,
the blood cell population, the hematopoietic organs, and the phagocytic, encapsulation,
and melanization responses are normal. Our results illustrate the importance of the
humoral response in Drosophila immunity and demonstrate that Relish plays a key role
in this response.