Symbiotic Streptomycetes provide antibiotic combination prophylaxis for wasp offspring.

Kroiss J, Kaltenpoth M, Schneider B, Schwinger MG, Hertweck C, Maddula RK, Strohm E, Svatos A (2010) Symbiotic Streptomycetes provide antibiotic combination prophylaxis for wasp offspring. Nat Chem Biol 6(4), 261-263.

Abstract

Beewolf digger wasps cultivate specific symbiotic bacteria (Streptomyces spp.) that are incorporated into the larval cocoon for protection against pathogens. We identified the molecular basis of this protective symbiosis in the natural context and demonstrate that the bacteria produce a 'cocktail' of nine antibiotic substances. The complementary action of all symbiont-produced antibiotics confers a potent antimicrobial defense for the wasp larvae that parallels the 'combination prophylaxis' known from human medicine.

Leibniz-HKI-Authors

Christian Hertweck

Identifier

doi: 10.1038/nchembio.331

PMID: 20190763