A common p38 MAP kinase pathway in worm innate immune defense

Two genes, sek-1 and nsy-1, were identified as essential for pathogen resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans mutants susceptible to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

• sek-1 encodes a MAP kinase kinase, while nsy-1 encodes a MAP kinase kinase kinase.
• A p38 protein, pmk-1, is identified as the downstream MAP kinase necessary for defense against pathogens.
• The findings indicate that this MAP kinase signaling pathway may be an ancient feature of immune responses across different species.

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