DG-48 Microbiome-Mediated Regulation in Honey Bee Colonies: Propolis as a Chemical Interface of Collective Immunity

This conceptual paper proposes that propolis responses in honey bee colonies represent a regulatory mechanism within the colony’s internal architecture rather than merely an antimicrobial function. Propolis is interpreted as an effector tool used to preserve the chemical signature of the nest — a dynamic composite of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pheromones, microbial metabolites, CO₂ gradients, and humidity patterns that sustain systemic coherence. Through analysis of embalming behavior (mummification of larger organisms), chemically triggered propolization responses, and the neutralization of parasites such as Aethina tumida, this work argues that colonies respond primarily to disturbances in chemical and microbiological stability rather than simply to pathogen presence. A three-level model of propolis response is proposed: Sensory detection of chemical imbalance Regulatory coordination via pheromonal signaling Effector deployment of propolis to redefine system boundaries This framework integrates microbiome dynamics, collective immunity, and regulatory architecture into a unified interpretation of colony stability and buffering capacity. The document is presented as a conceptual research draft intended to stimulate discussion and further empirical validation