Honey bee hives have ‘living immune systems’ which defend against disease
New research suggests that honey bee hives function as "living immune systems" due to their organized structure and the antimicrobial properties of materials like propolis, honey, and bee bread. This organization helps colonies effectively control harmful microbes despite their dense populations. The study, published in ISME Communications, highlights how the hive's internal layout and collected materials contribute to its defense against disease.
Why it matters
Understanding how bee colonies defend against disease is crucial for protecting bee health, which is vital for global ecosystems and agriculture, as bees play a critical role in pollination.
Elizabeth Frost Honey bee hives have ‘living immune systems’ which defend against disease Published: October 19, 2026 11.00pm BST https://theconversation.com/honey-bee-hives-have-living-immune-systems-which-defend-against-disease-289604 https://theconversation.com/honey-bee-hives-have-living-immune-systems-which-defend-against-disease-289604 Link copied Share article Share article
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Open a honey bee hive on a warm afternoon and the first thing you’ll notice is movement.
Thousands of bees stream across the frames, tending brood, processing nectar and pollen, building wax, and maintaining the colony. A constant hum of activity and the smell of honey fill the air.
But this bustling environment is also home to something much smaller: a vast community of bacteria and fungi.
Some are harmless. Some are essential . Others can cause serious disease.
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