Microbiota in insect fungal pathology

Area of Science:

• Entomopathogenic Fungi
• Insect-Microbe Interactions
• Microbial Ecology

Background:

• Insect pathogenic fungi, like Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana, are well-studied, but their interaction with host microbes remains underexplored.
• Host microbes (exosymbionts and endosymbionts) influence entomopathogenic fungi via insect surfaces, gut, and cells, varying with insect development, diet, and environment.
• Insect microbiomes are dynamic, affected by factors including chemical insecticide exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding how insect pathogenic fungi interact with host microbes.
• To highlight the spectrum of strategies fungi use to exploit or suppress insect microbes.
• To explore the role of insect-acquired microbes in combating fungal infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of biochemical and genetic studies on host-pathogen interactions.
• Analysis of research on insect microbiome composition and its influence on fungal pathogens.
• Synthesis of evidence on fungal antimicrobial compound production and insect antifungal defenses.

Main Results:

• Entomopathogenic fungi employ diverse strategies, including antimicrobial production, to manage insect host microbes during infection.
• Insects can harbor microbes that produce antifungal compounds, potentially counteracting entomopathogenic fungal infections.
• The insect microbiome significantly impacts the ecology and pathology of entomopathogenic fungi.

Conclusions:

• Considering the insect microbiome is essential for a comprehensive understanding of entomopathogenic fungi.
• This research opens new avenues for developing innovative pest control strategies leveraging microbial interactions.
• Future research should focus on the complex interplay between insects, their microbes, and fungal pathogens.