Colonization Resistance of Symbionts in Their Insect Hosts

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Insects live in an incredibly complex environment and are constantly exposed to different microbiota, and some of them are beneficial while some are harmful to hosts. Colonization of some beneficial symbionts can increase host resistance against exogenous pathogens. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which symbionts contribute to the host’s immune capacity. Adaptations of symbionts and their insect hosts to maintain such symbiotic relationships, and the significance of such relationships in the coevolution of symbiotic systems are also discussed to provide insights into the in-depth study of the contribution of symbionts to host physiology and behavior. ABSTRACT: The symbiotic microbiome is critical in promoting insect resistance against colonization by exogenous microorganisms. The mechanisms by which symbionts contribute to the host’s immune capacity is referred to as colonization resistance. Symbionts can protect insects from exogenous pathogens through a variety of mechanisms, including upregulating the expression of host immune-related genes, producing antimicrobial substances, and competitively excluding pathogens. Concordantly, insects have evolved fine-tuned regulatory mechanisms to avoid overactive immune responses against symbionts or specialized cells to harbor symbionts. Alternatively, some symbionts have evolved special adaptations, such as the formation of biofilms to increase their tolerance to host immune responses. Here, we provide a review of the mechanisms about colonization resistance of symbionts in their insect hosts. Adaptations of symbionts and their insect hosts that may maintain such symbiotic relationships, and the significance of such relationships in the coevolution of symbiotic systems are also discussed to provide insights into the in-depth study of the contribution of symbionts to host physiology and behavior.