Editorial: Cellular and host immune responses in the context of dual viral infection

Mohamed Mahdi^1*Srivastava Vartika^2*

• ¹Debreceni Egyetem, Debrecen, Hungary
• ²Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, United States

understand the molecular mechanisms governing their interactions, and assess their collective impact on the host cellular pathways.In this Research Topic, several studies provide novel insights into the complex immune dynamics involved in viral and bacterial co-infections. For example, a study by Nettere et al.focuses on the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in viral infections; a subject that has remained somewhat elusive, largely due to their low frequency in peripheral blood compared to their enrichment in tissues such as the liver. These cells rapidly recognize glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules and initiate a potent, cytokine-driven cytotoxic response. Despite their abundance in the liver, the precise function of iNKT cells in hepatic immune responses remains incompletely understood. While studies in murine models of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection suggest a protective role, iNKT cells have also been implicated in chronic liver inflammation. Notably, due to their expression of CD4, iNKT cells can serve as direct targets for HIV infection. Given their proposed involvement in liver regeneration following hepatotropic viral infections, it remains unclear how HIV co-infection might alter iNKT cell function. In their In summary, the studies presented in this research topic underscore the complexity and clinical relevance of viral infections and co-infections, particularly in immunocompromised populations.These contributions illuminate the multifaceted interplay between host immunity and pathogens.As our understanding of co-infection biology deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention require an integrated approach; one that accounts for both pathogen dynamics and host factors.