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Insects
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Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens
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Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 8304

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daniele Bruno

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
Interests: insects; insect physiology; insect immunity; insect rearing; insect-mediated bioconversion
Dr. Ilaria Di Lelio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
Interests: insect physiology; insect control; integrated pest management; biological control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Insects can be affected by different pathogens grouped in viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. Complex mechanisms regulate the interactions between insects and non-self agents, where the insect immune system and the insect microbiota (including symbionts) counteract the infection. Improvements on the current knowledge within this field will be useful to comprehend how to optimize the use of different biotic agents for the fight against pest species, while simultaneously providing further information regarding the immune response of beneficial insects to a possible infection.

Therefore, this Special Issue of Insects aims to explore the interactions between insects and pathogens. Papers including original research and/or review articles related to the insect immune response to non-self agents, as well as to the involvement of insect symbionts in the fight against pathogens, are welcome.

Dr. Daniele Bruno
Dr. Ilaria Di Lelio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • insect immunity
  • insect pathogens
  • insect symbionts
  • innate immunity
  • insect infections

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 12477 KiB  
Article
Immunotranscriptomic Profiling of Spodoptera frugiperda Challenged by Different Pathogenic Microorganisms
by Yan Tang, Qi Zou, Guojie Yu, Feng Liu, Yu Wu, Xueyan Zhao, Wensheng Wang, Xinchang Liu, Fei Hu and Zengxia Wang
Insects 2025, 16(4), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040360 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda is a globally significant migratory agricultural pest that requires proactive monitoring. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between pathogenic microorganisms and S. frugiperda is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of microbial control agents against this pest. This study used transcriptome [...] Read more.
Spodoptera frugiperda is a globally significant migratory agricultural pest that requires proactive monitoring. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between pathogenic microorganisms and S. frugiperda is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of microbial control agents against this pest. This study used transcriptome sequencing and molecular biology techniques on S. frugiperda larvae infected by bacteria and fungi to investigate the composition and molecular regulatory mechanisms of its immune system. A total of 598 immune-related genes were identified. Upon microbial infection, most immune-related genes showed an upregulated expression trend. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the immune gene repertoire of S. frugiperda is relatively conserved. The expression of the genes of peptidoglycan recognition proteins in different tissues of S. frugiperda induced by microorganisms at different times was verified using qPCR, and the results confirmed that these genes were significantly upregulated under specific pathogenic infections. This study elucidates the immune transcriptome of S. frugiperda in response to various pathogenic microorganisms, providing valuable insights for improving the effectiveness of existing microbial agents and developing new, highly efficient, and specific biopesticides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens)
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20 pages, 3726 KiB  
Article
Gut Microbiome Diversity in European Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) from La Union, Northern Luzon, Philippines
by Diana Castillo, Evaristo Abella, Chainarong Sinpoo, Patcharin Phokasem, Thunyarat Chantaphanwattana, Rujipas Yongsawas, Cleofas Cervancia, Jessica Baroga-Barbecho, Korrawat Attasopa, Nuttapol Noirungsee and Terd Disayathanoowat
Insects 2025, 16(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020112 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1923
Abstract
Insects often rely on symbiotic bacteria and fungi for various physiological processes, developmental stages, and defenses against parasites and diseases. Despite their significance, the associations between bacterial and fungal symbionts in Apis mellifera are not well studied, particularly in the Philippines. In this [...] Read more.
Insects often rely on symbiotic bacteria and fungi for various physiological processes, developmental stages, and defenses against parasites and diseases. Despite their significance, the associations between bacterial and fungal symbionts in Apis mellifera are not well studied, particularly in the Philippines. In this study, we collected A. mellifera from two different sites in the Municipality of Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines. A gut microbiome analysis was conducted using next-generation sequencing with the Illumina MiSeq platform. Bacterial and fungal community compositions were assessed using 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequences, respectively. Our findings confirm that adult worker bees of A. mellifera from the two locations possess distinct but comparably proportioned bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Key bacterial symbionts, including Lactobacillus, Bombilactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Gilliamella, Snodgrassella, and Frischella, were identified. The fungal community was dominated by the yeasts Zygosaccharomyces and Priceomyces. Using the ENZYME nomenclature database and PICRUSt2 software version 2.5.2, a predicted functional enzyme analysis revealed the presence of β-glucosidase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione transferase, and superoxide dismutase, which are involved in host defense, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy support. Additionally, we identified notable bacterial enzymes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase and AMPs nucleosidase. Interestingly, the key bee symbionts were observed to have a negative correlation with other microbiota. These results provide a detailed characterization of the gut microbiota associated with A. mellifera in the Philippines and lay a foundation for further metagenomic studies of microbiomes in native or indigenous bee species in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens)
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19 pages, 6176 KiB  
Article
Immunomodulation and Protective Effects of Cordyceps militaris Extract Against Candida albicans Infection in Galleria mellonella Larvae
by Kiratiya Eiamthaworn, David Holthaus, Sureeporn Suriyaprom, Volker Rickerts and Yingmanee Tragoolpua
Insects 2024, 15(11), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110882 - 10 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1979
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris-derived formulations are currently used for multiple purposes because of their medical properties, especially immune system modulation. This study analyzes the inhibitory effects of C. militaris aqueous extract on Candida albicans infections and the immune response in larvae of the greater [...] Read more.
Cordyceps militaris-derived formulations are currently used for multiple purposes because of their medical properties, especially immune system modulation. This study analyzes the inhibitory effects of C. militaris aqueous extract on Candida albicans infections and the immune response in larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Larvae exhibited melanization within 1 h of being infected with C. albicans inoculum at a concentration of 106 cells/larvae, and died within 24 h from a lethal dose. Aqueous extract of C. militaris proved to be nontoxic at concentrations of 0.25 and 0.125 mg/larvae, and had the greatest ability to prolong the survival of larvae infected with a sublethal dose of C. albicans at a concentration of 105 cells/larvae. Moreover, the number of hemocytes in the hemolymph of G. mellonella increased after infection with C. albicans and treatment with the aqueous extract of C. militaris at 1, 24, and 48 h by 1.21 × 107, 1.23 × 107, and 1.4 × 107 cells/100 µL, respectively. The highest number of hemocytes was recorded after treatment of infected G. mellonella with the extract for 48 h. Transcriptional upregulation of the immune system was observed in certain antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), showing that the relative expression of galiomicin, gallerimycin, and lysozyme genes were upregulated as early as 1 h after infection. Therefore, we conclude that C. militaris aqueous extract can modulate the immune system of G. mellonella and protect against infection from C. albicans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens)
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18 pages, 2737 KiB  
Article
Chlorantraniliprole Enhances Cellular Immunity in Larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
by Qingyan Liu, Xiaoyue Deng, Liuhong Wang, Wenqi Xie, Huilai Zhang, Qing Li, Qunfang Yang and Chunxian Jiang
Insects 2024, 15(8), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15080586 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1488
Abstract
The innate immunity of insects encompasses cellular and humoral defense mechanisms and constitutes the primary defense against invading microbial pathogens. Cellular immunity (phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation) is primarily mediated by hemocytes. Plasmatocytes and granulocytes play an important role and require changes in the [...] Read more.
The innate immunity of insects encompasses cellular and humoral defense mechanisms and constitutes the primary defense against invading microbial pathogens. Cellular immunity (phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation) is primarily mediated by hemocytes. Plasmatocytes and granulocytes play an important role and require changes in the cytoskeletons of hemocytes. However, research investigating the immunological impacts of insecticides on the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, remains scarce. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the effects of chlorantraniliprole exposure on cellular immunity in FAW larvae. Our findings revealed the presence of five types of hemocytes in the larvae: prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, oenocytoids, and spherulocytes. The LD10, LD20, and LD30 of chlorantraniliprole affected both the morphology and total count of some hemocytes in the larvae. Moreover, larvae exposed to chlorantraniliprole showed increased phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation. To determine the mechanism of the enhanced cellular immunity, we studied plasmatocytes in the spread state and the cytoskeleton in hemocytes. It was found that the spreading ratio of plasmatocytes and the areas of the cytoskeletons in hemocytes were increased after chlorantraniliprole treatment. These results suggest that exposure to chlorantraniliprole results in an enhanced immune response function in FAW larvae, which may be mediated by cytoskeletal changes and plasmatocyte spreading. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights into the cellular immune response of FAW larvae to insecticide exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens)
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Review

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15 pages, 2415 KiB  
Review
Effects of Microbes on Insect Host Physiology and Behavior Mediated by the Host Immune System
by Shan Zhang, Zhengyan Wang, Qiong Luo, Lizhen Zhou, Xin Du and Yonglin Ren
Insects 2025, 16(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010082 - 15 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1480
Abstract
Innate immunity is critical for insects to adjust to complicated environments. Studying the insect immune system can aid in identifying novel insecticide targets and provide insights for developing novel pest control strategies. Insects recognize environmental pathogens through pattern recognition receptors, thus activating the [...] Read more.
Innate immunity is critical for insects to adjust to complicated environments. Studying the insect immune system can aid in identifying novel insecticide targets and provide insights for developing novel pest control strategies. Insects recognize environmental pathogens through pattern recognition receptors, thus activating the innate immune system to eliminate pathogens. The innate immune system of insects primarily comprises cellular immunity and humoral immunity. Toll, immune deficiency, and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription are the main signaling pathways regulating insect humoral immunity. Nevertheless, increasing research has revealed that immune signaling activated by microbes also performs non-immune roles while exerting immune roles, and insulin signaling performs a key role in mediating the connection between the immune system and non-immune physiological activities. Therefore, this paper first briefly reviews the main innate immune signaling and insulin signaling of insects, then summarizes the relationship between immune signaling activated by microbes and insect growth and development, reproduction, pesticide resistance, chemical communication, cell turnover, lifespan, sleep, energy generation pathways and their possible underlying mechanisms. Future research directions and methodologies are also proposed, aiming to provide insights into further study on the physiological mechanism linking microbes and insect hosts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens)
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