Science updates: Immune-related gene & honey bees & cold stress

 

Science updates:

Immune-related gene & honey bees & cold stress

 


The research investigates the impact of cold stress and dietary Abscisic Acid (ABA) supplementation on the immune-related gene expression of Apis mellifera larvae. The study aims to understand how these factors influence the immune system of honey bee larvae, which is crucial for their survival and the health of the colony, especially during winter in temperate climates.

 


The authors found that cold exposure induces the expression of several immune-associated genes in honey bee larvae, indicating an active immune response during cold stress. Additionally, the ingestion of ABA alone increased the expression levels of genes related to the Toll pathway receptor and nitric oxide synthase, which were also induced by low temperatures. This suggests a potential connection between the honey bees' response to cold stress and ABA.

 


The study highlights the importance of the immune system in honey bees, which is challenged by various stressors such as parasites, pathogens, agrochemicals, and cold temperatures. The combined effects of these stressors can lead to immunosuppression and increased colony losses. The research emphasizes the need to understand the physiological effects of low-temperature stress on honey bee brood to improve management strategies.

 


The authors reared honey bee larvae in vitro and exposed them to cold stress and ABA supplementation to measure the expression levels of immune-related genes. They found that cold stress and ABA treatment influenced the expression of genes involved in the Toll pathway, JAK/STAT pathway, and other immune-related genes. The results suggest that ABA may play a role as a signal molecule in the immune response of A. mellifera, potentially priming the immune system to better respond to cold stress.

 


In conclusion, the study provides evidence that cold stress and ABA supplementation influence the immune response of honey bee larvae. The findings contribute to the understanding of how environmental stressors and dietary supplements can affect honey bee health and may help in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of winter stress on honey bee colonies.

 


Reference:

Negri, P., Ramirez, L., Quintana, S., Szawarski, N., Maggi, M. D., Eguaras, M. J., & Lamattina, L. (2020). Immune-related gene expression of Apis mellifera larvae in response to cold stress and Abscisic Acid (ABA) dietary supplementation. Journal of Apicultural Research, 59(4), 669-676.

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