Interactions between Insects, Gut Flora, and Pathogens: Insights from Vector Insects Volume II

The field of insect–microbe interactions has seen rapid advances in recent years, with growing recognition of the pivotal role that gut flora play in modulating insect health and ecological function. The tripartite relationship between insect hosts, their gut microbial communities, and invading pathogens is becoming better understood through molecular, ecological, and evolutionary studies. Pioneering research has uncovered that gut commensals often act as essential partners, bolstering host immunity, metabolism, and adaptation, while also impacting pathogen transmission dynamics. Despite these advances, significant gaps remain in our understanding of how microbial communities and host immune systems co-evolve, the molecular dialogues at play, and how environmental changes or anthropogenic pressures may disrupt these intricate associations.

Current evidence underscores the multitude of ways in which beneficial gut microorganisms support insects, from enhancing nutrient uptake and development to providing a front-line defense against predators, parasites, and infection. Studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiota can directly inhibit pathogen colonization, mediate immune activation, and alter physiological responses in the host. The ability of certain microbes to block or mitigate pathogen transmission, especially in insect vectors of medical or agricultural importance, represents a major area of ongoing research. As scientists continue to unravel these mechanisms, there is increasing interest in leveraging gut microbial dynamics for biocontrol—modifying microbial populations to protect crops, curtail disease vector competence, or safeguard beneficial insects.

This Research Topic aims follows on from Volume I to bridge fundamental discoveries with applied solutions, fostering research that dissects the molecular, ecological, and evolutionary mechanisms underpinning insect–microbe–pathogen interactions. Key objectives include elucidating how gut flora influence host immune systems, the factors shaping microbial community assembly, and how these relationships may be manipulated for pest and vector management. We encourage studies that answer outstanding questions on co-adaptation, explore theoretical models of host–microbe–pathogen evolution, and develop innovative microbial strategies for sustainable insect control.

To gather further insights into the multifaceted relationships between insects, their gut microbiota, immunity, and pathogens, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Molecular mechanisms driving insect–gut microflora–pathogen interactions

o Role of gut microbiota in modulating insect immune responses

o Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host–microbe–pathogen relationships

o Methods for manipulating gut microbiota to control insect pests or disease vectors

o Interactions between environmental factors, gut microbiota, and insect immunity

o Application of gut microbial interventions for sustainable pest management

o Impacts of anthropogenic changes on insect gut microbiota and disease transmission