Identification of immune regulatory genes in Apis mellifera through caffeine treatment

0532213 - BC 2021 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Lu, Y.-H. - Wu, C.-P. - Tang, C.-K. - Lin, Y.-H. - Maaroufi, Houda Ouns - Chuang, Y.-C. - Wu, Y.-L.
Identification of immune regulatory genes in Apis mellifera through caffeine treatment.
Insects. Roč. 11, č. 8 (2020), č. článku 516. E-ISSN 2075-4450
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : honeybee * deformed wing virus (DWV) * caffeine
OECD category: Genetics and heredity (medical genetics to be 3)
Impact factor: 2.769, year: 2020
Method of publishing: Open access
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/8/516

The preference of honeybees to consume nectar with caffeine has been recorded. To investigate the effects of caffeine to this important pollinator, we first focus on the influences on immunity which is seldom explored in insects regarding caffeine. In our results, we discovered the suppressive effects on viral pathogens and the boosting effects on immunity after caffeine treatment. At least six different latent-infecting viruses in Taiwan were suppressed by caffeine. Nevertheless, the enhancement on immunity may not be effective if the bees have not been exposed to the environment or potential natural secondary metabolites like caffeine. These findings provide a basic but valuable insight into how caffeine can aid honeybees in fighting against viral invasion.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0315246