Location: Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research
Title: Green biomanufacturing of edible antiviral therapeutics for managed pollinatorsAuthor
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Ricigliano, Vincent |
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MCMENAMIN, ALEXANDER - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE) |
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Martin, Allyson |
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Adjaye, Daniela |
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Simone-Finstrom, Michael |
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Rainey, Victor |
Submitted to: NPJ Sustainable Agriculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 2/27/2024 Publication Date: 3/19/2024 Citation: Ricigliano, V.A., Mcmenamin, A., Martin, A.M., Adjaye, D.F., Simone-Finstrom, M., Rainey, V.P. 2024. Green biomanufacturing of edible antiviral therapeutics for managed pollinators. NPJ Sustainable Agriculture. 2:Article4. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44264-024-00011-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44264-024-00011-7 Interpretive Summary: Managed bees are important agricultural pollinators threatened by declines linked to viruses. Here, we developed a novel antiviral treatment for bees using edible blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Algae strains were engineered to induce RNA interference (RNAi) immune responses when fed to bees. Treatments targeting deformed wing virus – a notorious pathogen – suppressed viral infection and improved survival in honey bees. This design presents a highly scalable and sustainable approach to alleviate viral stressors in managed pollinators and support global food security. Technical Abstract: Managed bees are important agricultural pollinators threatened by declines linked to multi-host ribonucleic acid (RNA)viruses. Here, we developed a novel antiviral therapeutic platform for bees using the edible photosynthetic cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973. Strains were engineered to induce RNA interference (RNAi) immune responses when fed to bees. Treatments targeting deformed wing virus – a notorious pathogen – suppressed viral infection and improved survival in honey bees. This design presents a versatile and sustainable therapeutic that can be directly incorporated into supplemental feeds for managed pollinators to mitigate viruses and support global food security. |