Certain hemocyte proteins of the medfly,Ceratitis capitata,are responsible for nonself recognition and immobilization of Escherichia coli in vitro

The results indicate that certain hemocyte proteins of the medfly, Ceratitis capitata, are responsible for the recognition of foreignness, since they are able to bind to the surface of Escherichia coli in vitro. Furthermore, when the E. Coli-hemocyte protein complex was incubated in the presence of tyrosine and phenoloxidase, the bacteria were immobilized, forming large aggregates. The formation of aggregates seems to be due to reactive tyrosine intermediate (quinone) generated by the action of phenoloxidase. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.