Data from: Wolbachia enhances the survival of Drosophila infected with fungal pathogens

Wolbachia bacteria of arthropods are at the forefront of basic and
translational research on multipartite host-symbiont-pathogen
interactions. These vertically transmitted microbes are the most
widespread endosymbionts on the planet due to factors including host
reproductive manipulation and fitness benefits. Importantly, some strains
of Wolbachia can inhibit viral pathogenesis within and between arthropod
hosts. Mosquitoes carrying the wMel Wolbachia strain of Drosophila
melanogaster have a greatly reduced capacity to spread viruses like dengue
and Zika to humans. While significant research efforts have focused on
viruses, relatively little attention has been given to Wolbachia-fungal
interactions despite the ubiquity of fungal entomopathogens in nature.
Here, we demonstrate that Wolbachia increase the longevity of their
Drosophila melanogaster hosts when challenged with a spectrum of yeast and
filamentous fungal pathogens. We find that this pattern can vary based on
host genotype, sex, and fungal species. Further, Wolbachia correlates with
higher fertility and reduced pathogen titers during initial fungal
infection, indicating a significant fitness benefit. Finally, RNAseq
results show altered expression of many immune and stress response genes
in the context of Wolbachia and fungal infection, suggesting host immunity
may be involved in the mechanism. This study demonstrates Wolbachia’s role
in diverse fungal pathogen interactions and determines that the phenotype
is broad, but with several variables that influence both the presence and
strength of the phenotype. It also is a critical step forward to
understanding how symbionts can protect their hosts from a variety of
pathogens.