Perception of Enterococcus faecalis without infection induces fmo-2 in C. elegans

<i>C. elegans</i> pathogenic susceptibility is influenced by the worm's detection of its environment and its capacity to resist and resolve damage following infection. Here, we use a model where worms can sense, but not ingest, the pathogen <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> (EF) <i>.</i> We identify that perception of EF without infection induces the stress-response gene <i>fmo-2. We</i> further identify that neural and intestinal signaling genes are necessary for <i>fmo-2</i> induction without active infection. Finally, we show that <i>fmo-2</i> overexpression is sufficient to extend lifespan with EF exposure, while <i>fmo-2</i> KO is not detrimental, suggesting that additional <i>fmo-2</i> expression benefits worms in this condition.