Cell Migration in Immune Responses

Cell migration is a fundamental process intimately underlying the development of multicellular organisms, and its dysregulation is associated with a variety of diseases. The ability to confidently navigate a complex extracellular space is at the core of an effective immune response. Indeed, motility represents a key aspect of immune cell behavior, fundamental to eliminating invading pathogens, scanning tissues for damage, and detecting developing tumors. The convenience of live imaging and the genetic tractability of certain in vivo model organisms (i.e., flies and zebrafish) offer a unique opportunity to better understand mechanisms of immune cell motility in an in vivo context and to gain novel insights into how these cells fulfill their numerous functions by promptly modifying their migratory behavior in response to a wide variety of extrinsic cues.