Bats have enhanced immune function, coupled with a potentially modulated inflammatory response.
This holds considerable potential for addressing some of the worst consequences of senescence
of humans. Inflammatory disorders associated with autoimmune diseases
are among the fastest growing causes of disease worldwide, particularly in ageing populations.
The ability to modulate inappropriate inflammation in response to stressors without impairing
immune function could improve the lives of millions. Hence, detailed exploration of the genomic
mechanisms of gene expression in wild bats could hold the key to improving health conditions
worldwide). High-quality bat genomes will drive a better understanding of molecular bases
underlying the resistance/tolerance of European bats to white-nose syndrome, which could
ultimately be used to inform future bat conservation and management efforts within the United
States. White-nose syndrome is a deadly fungal disease recently introduced to North America
from Europe that has decimated US bat populations, particularly of little brown bats (Myotis
lucifugus) and tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus), and is responsible for an estimated 5–6
million bat deaths. Closely related European bats, such as greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis)
and Brandt’s bat (Myotis brandtii ), can be colonized by the responsible fungus Pseudogymnoascus
destructans but do not suffer the same mass mortality, suggesting that European bats have
evolved the required immune/behavioral response to survive this infection.
As wide-ranging individuals that constantly encounter new environments, bats come into contact
with diverse viral pathogens over the course of a life span. Again, over eons, bats
have evolved to cope with these challenges, often leading to survival despite viral exposure (for a
comprehensive list of viruses detected in bats). Epidemiological studies and field surveys
suggest viruses circulate in wild bat populations without causing the great morbidity or
mortality observed as a result of viral spillovers into humans. Although the
processes through which bats manage to clear viral infections remain poorly understood, possible
explanations for the resilience of individual bats to these infections include not only heightened
immune function but modulation of inflammation and mechanisms of repair. Genomic analyses have
already revealed coevolution with viruses as a long-term consequence of bat evolution
. High-quality bat genomes (e.g., including regulatory regions) from diverse species are needed
to determine both how extensive these interactions between bats and viruses have been and what
innate genetic mechanisms bats use to clear these viruses. Coupled with viral monitoring in the
wild and viral genomics, bat genomic analyses have the potential to predict and manage future
spillover events.