Advances in research on the regulation of honey bee odor and chemical communication by symbiotic microorganisms

Because honey bees are key pollinators in terrestrial ecosystems, they are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and colony survival serves as a reliable indicator of environmental conditions. Insect symbiotic microorganisms regulate host chemical communication through multiple pathways, thereby playing critical roles in pheromone synthesis, olfactory perception, and social behavior modulation. However, a systematic review of the potential regulatory mechanisms by which symbiotic microorganisms influence chemical communication in honey bees is still lacking. Here, we synthesize domestic and international research to assess the compositions of symbiotic microorganisms in honey bees, as well as the mechanisms of pheromone release, perception, and function. Furthermore, drawing on specific experimental cases, we discuss how honey bee symbionts modulate host sensitivity to chemical signals and consequently affect host social behavior through multiple routes. These pathways are involved in regulating odorant-binding protein or odorant receptor expression and nervous system function, altering cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, modulating olfactory memory, and mediating immune signaling. This review further explores the interplay between symbiotic microorganisms and the release and reception of chemical signals in honey bees, thereby providing a solid foundation for the conservation of endangered pollinating insects.