Viral Co-Infections and Antiviral Immunity in Honey Bees

Over the past few decades, honey bees have been facing an increasing number of stressors. Beyond individual stress factors, the synergies between them have been identified as a key factor in the observed increase in colony mortality. However, these interactions are numerous and complex and call for further research. Here, in line with our need for a systemic understanding of the threats that they pose to bee health, we review the interactions between honey bee viruses. As viruses are obligate parasites, the interactions between them not only depend on the viruses themselves but also on the immune responses of honey bees. Thus, we first summarise our current knowledge of the antiviral immunity of honey bees. We then review the interactions between specific pathogenic viruses and their interactions with their host. Finally, we draw hypotheses from the current literature and suggest directions for future research.

Automated summary

Over the past few decades, honey bees have been facing an increasing number of stressors, and the interactions between these stressors have been identified as a key factor in colony mortality. Understanding the interactions between honey bee viruses is crucial for bee health, as viruses rely on the immune responses of bees. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the antiviral immunity of honey bees and examines the interactions between specific pathogenic viruses and their hosts.