Mechanisms of Resistance and Host Responses to RNA Virus Infections

RNA viruses represent significant threats to global agriculture, challenging the health and productivity of numerous crop species. Their rapid mutation rates and diverse modes of infection make them formidable adversaries for traditional control strategies. Understanding the intricate interactions between RNA viruses and their host plants is critical for developing innovative and sustainable resistance strategies that safeguard food security amidst growing global demand and environmental stressors.

Significant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular and biochemical pathways underpinning plant responses to RNA virus infections. Notable advances, such as miRNA-mediated gene silencing, highlight the potential for targeted viral suppression through host-derived mechanisms. However, comprehensive knowledge of the full spectrum of host-pathogen dynamics—especially in the context of evolving virus strains and environmental factors—remains limited.

This Research Topic aims to spotlight resistance mechanisms and host responses to RNA virus infections, fostering an in-depth understanding of the molecular, cellular, and ecological dynamics at play. We welcome contributions that explore innovative methods for enhancing resistance, unravel host-virus interactions, and address the challenges posed by RNA viruses.

To sharpen the focus on resistance mechanisms, we invite articles on the following topics:

- Mechanisms of RNA virus entry, replication, and movement within plants
- Host molecular responses to RNA virus infections, including miRNA and small RNA pathways
- Biotechnological and genetic approaches for engineering virus-resistant crops
- Comparative studies of resistance genes and pathways across plant species
- Modulation of host-virus dynamics by environmental stressors
- Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of RNA virus-host interactions

By prioritizing these areas, this collection aims to provide actionable insights for advancing sustainable resistance strategies in agriculture.

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... 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
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: RNA viruses, host interactions, plant resistance mechanisms, gene silencing, biotechnological resistance

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.