Ascarosides and Symbiotic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Regulate Host Immune Response in Larvae.

Insects protect themselves through their immune systems. Entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial symbionts are widely used for the biocontrol of economically important pests. Ascarosides are pheromones that regulate nematode behaviors, such as aggregation, avoidance, mating, dispersal, and dauer recovery and formation.