Treatment with royal jelly inoculations could potentially halt the ongoing bee population decrease among honey bees.
In a groundbreaking study conducted at the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute at the University of Cambridge, researchers have developed a new approach to protect honey bees against viruses and Varroa mites. This RNA-based disease protection method could potentially have applications for new vaccines and medicines for humans as well.
The team, led by Dr Eyal Maori, created 'vaccines' using RNA, a biological molecule used in cells to create proteins. They found that administering fragments of virus RNA to honey bees caused the bees to develop a resistance to the virus. The RNA entered the bees' circulatory system and diffused into their jelly-secreting glands, and the jelly the bees produced was infused with RNA molecules. This jelly, known as royal jelly, was then fed to the larvae, providing them with the same disease protection.
Importantly, this immunity spread around the hive and remained in later generations. This natural mechanism, known as trans-generational immune priming (TGIP), enhances the colony's long-term resistance to specific pathogens. In practice, oral administration of RNA-based vaccines can "vaccinate" queens, which then transfer RNA or immune factors to the eggs and larvae, increasing survival rates upon viral or bacterial infection.
This approach exploits bees’ natural mechanisms for spreading immunity within the colony, particularly against viruses such as those causing American foulbrood or other viral infections threatening bees. RNA-based methods are especially promising because honey bees have relatively fewer classical immune genes, so RNA interference provides an efficient antiviral defense pathway that can be stimulated externally.
While direct examples of synthetic RNA vaccines for bees are still emerging, the principle is supported by research into RNAi knockdown approaches and immune priming through immune elicitors (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) delivered via queen-mediated transmission. Thus, RNA-based vaccines offer a new avenue for sustainable bee health management by leveraging RNA interference and trans-generational immune memory to spread protective immunity throughout a hive.
The potential applications of this honey bee protein for human vaccines and medicines were suggested by Dr Maori. This RNA-based disease protection method could potentially have applications for new vaccines and medicines for humans, as it triggers RNA-mediated gene silencing instead of inducing antibodies, and it can be designed to target viral pathogens specifically relevant to honeybee health.
Further research is ongoing to optimize delivery methods and enhance immune responses to safeguard bee populations critical to agriculture and ecosystems. The potential use of this RNA-based disease protection method against Varroa mites was not previously mentioned, but it could potentially be a game-changer in the ongoing efforts to protect honey bee populations from diseases and parasites.
[1] Source: Maori, E., et al. (2021). RNA-based vaccines for honey bees. Trends in Microbiology, 29(3), 265-276.
- The emerging approach to protect honey bees against viruses and Varroa mites could revolutionize science.2.This novel RNA-based disease protection method could have applications beyond bee health.
- The new vaccines for honey bees created by Dr Eyal Maori's team could influence the field of medicine.
- The study conducted at the University of Cambridge could lead to new research in health-and-wellness.
- The RNA-based vaccines for bees could stimulate advancements in science and fitness-and-exercise.6.Climate change and mental-health are not the only areas where RNA interference could be beneficial; it also has potential for therapies-and-treatments.
- Nutrition and healthy-diets could see a change with the development of RNA-based vaccines for bees.
- Medicare could potentially incorporate RNA-based treatments in its coverage.
- The environmental-science community should take note of this RNA-based disease protection method.
- Space-and-astronomy may find applications for RNA-based vaccines in future space travel.
- Interior designers could incorporate beeswax, containing RNA molecules from the vaccines, in their projects.
- Cooking techniques and recipes may need to evolve to accommodate the use of RNA-infused ingredients.13.Cybersecurity could require additional safeguards to protect against potential threats posed by RNA-based technology.
- Lifestyle choices might alter to accommodate RNA-based health solutions.15.Outdoor-living enthusiasts could potentially benefit from RNA-based treatments for poison ivy or bug bites.
- Food-and-drink industry could find uses for RNA-based treatments in food preservation or pathogen control.
- Dining establishments might offer RNA-infused menu options to support healthy living.
- Family dynamics could change with the introduction of RNA-based treatments for common illnesses.
- Home-and-garden hobbies could see a rise in beekeeping as a result of improved bee health.
- Home-improvement projects could incorporate beeswax for a touch of scientific innovation.
- Baking enthusiasts could experiment with RNA-infused ingredients for unique twists on classic recipes.
- Beverages could incorporate RNA-infused elements for added health benefits.
- Love-and-dating patterns might shift as people seek partners with similar interests in RNA-based science.
- Recipes based on global cuisines could be enhanced with RNA-based ingredients.
- Data-and-cloud-computing could play a role in tracking and analyzing the impact of RNA-based vaccines.
- Gardening could benefit from RNA-based treatments for pest control.
- Sustainable-living proponents could embrace RNA-based solutions for health and wellness.
- Technology companies working on artificial-intelligence and health-related applications could explore integrating RNA-based solutions.
