Outcomes
Learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles underlying social and individual immunity in honey bees.
Key Takeaways
Honey bees, like many social insects, have collective behavioural defences called “social immunity” to help defend and protect the colony against pathogens and parasites. Propolis is known to have many antimicrobial proprieties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses and has been harvested from bee hives for use in human medicine since antiquity. This presentation will focus on how bees collect and use the antimicrobial properties of plant resins within the hive as a form of social immunity and defence against infectious bacterial and fungal pathogens, as well as describe other honey bee social immune defence mechanisms.
In the heart of a bustling beehive lies a remarkable story of collective defense, where every individual plays a role in safeguarding the health and harmony of the colony. Honey bees have honed their strategies over millennia, and one of the most fascinating aspects of their defense mechanisms is the intricate interplay between individual and social immunity.
Individual Immunity
At the heart of individual immunity are the honey bees’ innate defenses. Just like in humans, honey bees possess an array of molecular tools to fend off microbial intruders. Antimicrobial peptides, small but potent proteins, target nd neutralize pathogens that attempt to breach the colony’s defenses. Moreover, bees exhibit encapsulation, a behavior where pathogens are surrounded and isolated by layers of immune cells, preventing their spread.
Social Immunity: A Collective Shield
Beyond individual defenses, honey bees employ social immunity—a remarkable collective behavior that underscores the power of collaboration. Honey bees exhibit hygienic behavior, identifying and removing infected brood from the hive, thus preventing the spread of diseases. Grooming behavior further reinforces these defenses, as bees meticulously cleanse themselves and their fellow colony members to eliminate harmful microbes.
One of the cornerstones of social immunity is the strategic use of propolis. Collected from plant resins, propolis serves as a natural antimicrobial agent. Bees mix these resins with their own secretions to create a powerful substance that is then carefully applied to the hive’s interior surfaces.
Propolis: Nature’s Shield
Propolis is a remarkable creation, enriched with antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The bees’ meticulous application of propolis forms a protective envelope within the hive, inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. The composition of propolis can vary based on the source of plant resins, leading to a diverse and adaptable defense against different types of pathogens.
Lessons for Beekeepers and Beyond
Studying honey bee immunity offers valuable insights for beekeepers and researchers alike. Creating environments that encourage the collection and application of propolis can enhance the bees’ natural defenses. Understanding individual and social immunity not only strengthens honey bee colonies but also provides inspiration for addressing health challenges in other species, including humans.
