The Innate Immune Response of Eusocial Hymenopterans to Viral Pathogen Challenge

Abstract In recent years, insect immunology has expanded rapidly in research interest, and available literature kind. Insects combat pathogens through a range of behavioral physiological immune defenses. The need for robust immunity is especially important to eusocial insects; nestmate proximity increases exposure transmission pathogens. Further, eusociality involves cohabitation thousands individuals with characteristically reduced genetic variability, turn increasing susceptibility epidemic disease outbreaks. To this, they have developed diverse responses pathogens, including individual innate defenses, social immunity, secretion potent glandular chemicals. as the presenting threat, these, viruses may present greatest challenge. Social employed by Hymenoptera been reviewed whereas review not our knowledge addressing Hymenopterans viral pathogenic invaders. We argue that such advancement understanding Hymenopteran biology critical applied interests. further implications are far-reaching; their success source both substantial economic loss case invasive ants significant gain honey bee Apis mellifera.