Tozkar, Cansu OzgeEvans, Jay D.2025-07-302025-07-3020252075-445010.3390/insects160605932-s2.0-105009092663https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060593https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14720/28044Evans, Jay/0000-0002-0036-4651;This study evaluated immune gene expression and locomotor behavior across five Apis mellifera subspecies (Carniolan, Caucasian, Syrian, Mu & gbreve;la ecotype, and Y & imath;& gbreve;& imath;lca ecotype) following controlled Vairimorpha ceranae infection. Six days post-infection, Caucasian, Carniolan, and Y & imath;& gbreve;& imath;lca bees exhibited a significant upregulation of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) transcripts-hymenoptaecin, abaecin, defensin, and apidaecin-indicating a robust humoral response. Conversely, Syrian and Mu & gbreve;la bees showed weaker AMP expression and higher V. ceranae mRNA levels, indicating lower immunity and higher susceptibility. Positive correlations among AMP transcripts, especially in Caucasian, Carniolan, and Y & imath;& gbreve;& imath;lca bees, suggested a coordinated response. Eater gene expression, critical for cellular immunity, decreased in infected Caucasian and Y & imath;& gbreve;& imath;lca bees, coinciding with AMP upregulation. Vitellogenin expression, linked to immunity and longevity, increased in Carniolan and Syrian bees, correlating with higher early locomotor activity. Locomotor analysis revealed subspecies-specific behavioral responses. Syrian bees maintained the highest activity despite elevated V. ceranae mRNA and minimal AMP expression, suggesting unique resilience possibly mediated by vitellogenin. Mu & gbreve;la bees, despite high pathogen loads, exhibited decreased activity. Caucasian bees showed strong immune responses but reduced activity post-infection, reflecting potential physiological trade-offs. Overall, these findings underscore the role of genetic variability in shaping honey bee immune and behavioral responses to Vairimorpha and support subspecies-targeted breeding and disease management strategies to enhance resilience.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessVairimorpha CeranaeAntimicrobial Peptides (AMPS)Locomotor ActivityApis Mellifera SubspeciesVitellogeninEater GeneArticle166Q1Q140559023WOS:001515904300001