EAPB0503: an imiquimod analog with potent in vitro activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica

lupus erythematosus.EBV DNA has shown residency in human inflamed gastrointestinal mucosa in patients suffering from inflammation of the digestive tract such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); this indicates that this virus potentially plays a role in sustaining inflammation.We have previously reported the immune-stimulating capabilities of EBV DNA in Drosophila melanogaster as well as in mammalian immune systems upon its injection.In flies, we observed increased hemocyte counts and enhanced Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathway activation while pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were increased by EBV administration to mice.Hence, used the fly as a model system to explore the effect of feeding EBV DNA on intestinal damage.Methods: We established tissue damage in the adult D. melanogaster gut by allowing animals to feed on 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solubilized in 5% sucrose in the absence and presence of EBV DNA.To assess the impact of EBV DNA administration on the immune status of the gut, GFP-expressing hemocytes penetrating the gut epithelium were examined.Results: Enhanced levels of hemocytes were observed in the hindguts of flies administered DSS compared to controls; administration of EBV DNA to the DSS-fed flies further increased the levels of hemocytes in fly hindguts.Conclusions: Observing increased hemocytes in the fly gut upon feeding EBV DNA is indicative of increased intestinal damage over DSS alone.In light of the immunostimulatory properties of EBV DNA, the study at hand permitted further investigation of the role DNA from this virus may play at the tissue level and its possible effects on the gut immune status.