Exposing Drosophila to wheat-derived microbes enhances its immunity and survival under simulated microgravity

During prolonged space habitation, microgravity compromises astronaut immunity, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Plant-derived microbes offer a promising strategy for enhancing immunity, yet their feasibility and mechanisms remain unclear. We co-cultivated wheat and Drosophila under simulated microgravity (SMG), examining changes in Drosophila immunity through a multi-omics approach. Our findings demonstrate that exposure to wheat-derived microbes significantly boosts Drosophila's survival and immunity, confirming their transfer and colonization in the host. Notably, immune-related microbes like Massilia and Longimicrobium were enriched. This exposure markedly upregulated Drosophila key immune genes in Toll signaling and glutathione metabolism, enhancing immune substance secretion. Multi-omics cojoint analysis further indicated that these microbes ameliorated immune dysfunction in Drosophila, providing an innovative strategy to bolster astronaut immunity during space missions and a theoretical foundation for life support systems in extended space exploration.