Immunobiology of pathogens in the brain

Infections with a range of different pathogens can cause neurological symptoms in patients. There is a significant amount of overlap between observed pathologies e.g. blood-brain barrier disruption, despite different aetiological causes. Determining how different pathogens and their interactions with their host impact the immune responses in the brain may help provide clues to common factors during infection. Increasing evidence also suggests a role for pathogens in a range of illnesses from Alzheimer's to schizophrenia. Probing the links between infection and neurological syndromes will provide further insights to help guide research that will ultimately benefit patients.

Viruses, bacteria, and parasites all have the potential to cause neurological symptoms from encephalitis to cerebral malaria. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of infection, including the commonalities between neurological symptoms and/or syndromes caused by vastly different pathogens, may help provide a better understanding of the resulting pathologies. Determining the similarities and differences in how these pathogens cause neurological disease could facilitate the identification of novel avenues of research or disease management policies.

We welcome all manuscript types, which include:

- Original Research

- Systematic Review

- Methods

- Brief Research Report

- Clinical Trial

- Policy and Practice Reviews

- Hypothesis and Theory

- Perspective

Keywords: immunology, mental health, pathogens, neurology, brain

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