Editorial: The Bodyguards to The Rescue: Understanding the Molecular and Immunological Mechanisms Involved in Host-Insect Pathogenic Microbe Interactions

Bamisope Steve Bamisile^1,2*Muhammad Hafeez³Mubasher Hussain⁴Chandra Kanta Dash (PhD)⁵Junaid Ali Siddiqui^6*

• ¹South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
• ²Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos, Brazil
• ³University of Nevada Reno Department of Agriculture Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences, Reno, United States
• ⁴Guangdong Pest control Technology Group, Guangzhou, China
• ⁵Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
• ⁶The University of Hong Kong School of Biological Sciences, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China

The articles featured in this Research Topic explored various aspects of biological control, including the mechanisms involved in host-pathogen interactions, the virulence of entomopathogenic microbes (specifically fungi and bacteria) against insects, and the immune response to infection by bioagents. The featured studies reported innovative and sustainable strategies for controlling insect pests and disease vectors, drawing on a deep understanding of the physiology of insect pests and biological control agents.The application of bioagents for the regulation of natural insect pest populations and the management of disease-causing pathogens is considered relatively safer and more environmentally sustainable (Souza et al., 2023). Nevertheless, their efficacy is significantly influenced by various ecological factors, with biotic factors in the shared environment being particularly prominent (Rosenheim et al. 1995). The immune response of the target host is a critical consideration while developing biological control agents for insect management. For example, certain insects can detect and evade entomopathogenic microbes by relying on their sense of smell. When infected with fungi, ants exhibit self-medication behavior, increase social interactions with their nestmates, and alter their behavior in response to infection (Wang et al., 2015;Qiu et al., 2016). Furthermore, cuticular lipids may influence the pathogenicity of microorganisms that infiltrate the cuticle of the insect host (Keyhani, 2018;Pedrini, 2018). To overcome these constraints, researchers and pest management professionals are working to develop innovative strategies to improve the overall performance of biological control agents. These approaches include enhancing the virulence and host specificity of bioagents, improving delivery methods, and manipulating insect physiology.The articles featured in this Research Topic are focused on this direction and provided compelling insights into the diverse molecular and immunological mechanisms that govern host-insectpathogenic microbe interactions. From parasitic wasps to fungal endophytes, from plant-derived antifungals to gut-associated bacteria, these studies demonstrated the complexity of multi-trophic interactions and the strategic roles the entomopathogenic microbes can play. In addition, these findings have broader implications for understanding similar processes in insectpathogenic fungal infections.In summary, the studies presented here demonstrate the complex molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying host-insect-pathogenic microbe interactions. Together, they not only advance our scientific understanding of these complex dynamics but also pave the way for more targeted, ecologically sound biological control strategies in integrated pest management systems.