BMP signaling in the C. elegans immune response to bacterial pathogen regulates anti-microbial peptide expression through cell non-autonomous activity.

immune response is the BMP-like DBL-1 pathway. Here we demonstrate that cell non-autonomous signaling through DBL-1 mediator SMA-3 plays a significant role in the response to bacterial intestinal infection. We also identify two antimicrobial peptides regulated by this signaling mechanism in response to bacterial infection. Our work provides insight into the way in which the BMP-like signaling triggers a systemic response to regulate immunity.