Bridging Gaps in Antiviral Therapy: Innovative Approaches in Drug Discovery and Vaccine Development

The global health landscape is constantly challenged by the emergence and re-emergence of viral pathogens. While significant progress has been made in understanding viral mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions, critical gaps remain in the translation of these findings into effective therapeutics and vaccines. Emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing, CRISPR-based tools, and computational bioinformatics have revolutionized our ability to study viruses at an unprecedented scale, providing new opportunities to address these gaps. However, the journey from basic research to practical applications is often hindered by scientific, logistical, and economic barriers. This collection aims to spotlight innovative approaches and interdisciplinary efforts that are pushing the boundaries of antiviral drug discovery and vaccine development.

This Research Topic aims to propel the field of virology, spotlighting innovative, interdisciplinary research that closes identifiable gaps in the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines. We are particularly interested in studies that utilize novel molecular techniques and computational tools to forge advancements in drug discovery, examine new or improved vaccination platforms such as mRNA and viral vectors, and provide deeper insights into viral pathogenesis and immune responses that are crucial for therapeutic development. This Research Topic further seeks to explore the integration of artificial intelligence and large-scale data analysis to predict viral spread and design preventative measures, supported by case studies on successful drug and vaccine translational initiatives. By encouraging contributions from diverse disciplines, we aspire to foster collaborations that accelerate the development of life-saving therapeutics and vaccines.

We welcome submissions that align with the following themes:
o Novel antiviral agents and their mechanisms of action.
o Advances in vaccine technologies and immunization strategies.
o Computational and structural biology approaches in virology.
o Studies on viral evolution, resistance mechanisms, and emerging threats.
o Translational research bridging basic virology to clinical applications.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Virology, antiviral drug discovery, vaccine development, therapeutic innovation, and viral pathogenesis.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.