Research progress on the interaction mechanism of honey bee odorant-binding proteins with exogenous compounds

Olfactory is the main sense for the survival and reproduction of honey bees, providing important information for honey bees to forage, mate, escape from natural enemies, and other behaviors. Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) play a crucial role in bees' olfactory perception. Therefore, exploring the interaction between honey bee OBPs and various chemicals in the environment is of significant importance for elucidating the binding characteristics and mechanisms of honey bee OBPs towards different exogenous compounds, including semiochemicals, pheromones, plant volatiles, and insecticides. On one hand, the binding of semiochemicals with bee OBPs plays a crucial role in maintaining bee colony stability, reproduction, foraging, pollination, and other physiological functions. On the other hand, the binding of insecticides with OBPs may pose a threat to the bee's olfactory system, affecting the bee’s ability to recognize environmental odor molecules. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the types, and functions of bee OBPs, as well as the research progress on their interaction mechanisms with exogenous compounds. The aim is to offer a reference basis for further exploration of the physiological functions of bee OBPs and for protecting bees from the harm of pesticides and other chemicals.