Termite antimicrobial defense through interaction with symbiotic microorganisms in nest materials

Abstract

Abstract Social insects build robust nests to physically defend their colonies against attacks by predators and the intrusion of parasites and pathogens. While many previous studies on termite nests have focused on their physical defense functions, their nests also harbor various microorganisms that play a role in maintaining the colony’s hygienic environment. In this study, we report a dynamic defense mechanism of termite nests, where termites bury pathogen-infected corpses into the nest material, enhancing the antimicrobial defense provided by symbiotic bacteria inhabiting the nest. Termites buried pathogen-infected corpses, which could pose a high pathogenic risk, into the nest material, while they cannibalized corpses that were non-infected. In nest material where corpses were buried, the abundance of Streptomyces , antibiotic-producing bacteria, increased and enhanced the antifungal activity of the nest material. Furthermore, this Streptomyces inhibited the growth of termite pathogens and improved worker survival rates in the presence of these pathogens. These results suggest that the interaction between termites and nest-associated symbiotic bacteria, facilitated by corpse burial, contributes to the continuous maintenance of nest hygiene. This study elucidates the function of the nest as a 'living defensive wall’ and enhances our understanding of the dynamic pathogen-defense systems employed by social insects.