From Pollen to Pathogen Defense: How Pollen Chemical Quality Impacts Deformed Wing Virus Infection and Survival in Honey Bees
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Pollen constitutes the primary source of proteins, amino acids, lipids, sterols, vitamins, and minerals for honey bees. However, not all pollen types provide the same resources or have the same biological value. Its chemical composition changes according to botanical origin, geographic location, and environmental conditions. This variability can influence metabolism, the immune system, oxidative balance, and the ability to resist or tolerate infections. This article examines the available evidence on the relationship between pollen chemical quality and the dynamics of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) infection in Apis mellifera. The analysis is approached from molecular, physiological, ecological, and seasonal perspectives. Current findings suggest that more diverse and higher-quality pollen diets are generally associated with greater colony survival and improved health status, although their effects on viral load are more heterogeneous and context-dependent. In some studies, pollen intake is linked to a reduction in DWV, while in others the viral load remains stable, but bees survive longer or show better health indicators. These differences suggest that pollen may act not only by enhancing resistance to the virus but also by increasing tolerance to infection-associated damage. The potential role of pollen bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, is also discussed. Nevertheless, evidence of direct antiviral action of these compounds in bees remains limited, as many proposed mechanisms derive from other organisms. This synthesis provides an integrative perspective on pollen nutrition and its relevance for colony resilience against viral infections.
Source: Viruses
DOI: 10.3390/v18070695
Institutions: University of Concepción, Universidad Santo Tomás
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: ELUCIDATING THE ROLE OF NATIVE POLLENS AND THEIR COMPOUNDS IN HONEYBEES INFECTED WITH CHILEAN DEFORMED WING VIRUS GENOTYPES IMPACTS ON HONEYBEE BEHAVIOR SURVIVAL AND IMMUNITY, UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSIOLOGICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION IN HONEYBEES INFECTED WITH DEFORMED WING VIRUS VARIANT A (DWV-A) AND THE IMPACT ON BRAIN GENOMIC REGULATION AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSE
OpenAlex ID: W7165939829