Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Parasitoid-Derived Host Manipulation Strategies

Parasitoid wasps are a diverse group of insects with a unique parasitic lifestyle that allows them to spend their lives closely interacting with their insect hosts, facilitated by parasitic effectors, including venom, polydnaviruses, and teratocytes. These effectors manipulate various aspects of insect host biology to increase the survival of the parasitoids' offspring. During the last two decades, omics and functional studies have significantly advanced our understanding of how parasitoids manipulate their hosts at the molecular level. Here, we review the underlying molecular mechanisms, with particular focus on these parasitic effectors and their effects on host immune responses, development, metabolism, and behaviors. In addition, we discuss how the evolution of these molecular mechanisms has contributed to the ecological adaptations of parasitoids.