Immune Modulation at the Crossroads of Viral Infection and Tumor Progression

The interplay between viruses and tumor progression represents a critical area of study, as certain oncogenic viruses, such as HPV, EBV, and HBV, are known to drive cancer development by actively engaging and modulating the host immune response. These viruses promote tumorigenesis not only by disrupting host cellular processes but importantly by suppressing or evading immune surveillance, altering antigen presentation, and inducing immunosuppressive cell populations such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Mechanisms such as chronic immune activation, immunoediting, and immune escape are pivotal for viral persistence and tumor development. In addition, viral manipulation of host pathways can trigger sustained inflammation and foster a tumor-supportive microenvironment through remodeling of immune responses.

Emerging research highlights the role of exosomes in this context, as viruses exploit these extracellular vesicles to disseminate viral factors, modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, and create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that facilitates immune evasion. Hence, understanding how viruses modulate host immunity to promote cancer is vital for developing innovative diagnostic tools, preventive antiviral therapies, and targeted immunotherapies that address the dual challenges posed by cancer and viral infections.

The problem at the core of this Research Topic lies in the limited understanding of how viruses contribute to tumor progression, particularly through immune modulation. While significant progress has been made in identifying oncogenic viruses such as HPV and EBV, the precise molecular and cellular pathways by which they suppress immune surveillance, alter antigen processing, and induce immunosuppressive networks remain incompletely characterized. For example, the role of exosomes in shaping antitumor immunity and facilitating immune evasion has recently emerged as a crucial area of investigation. To tackle these outstanding questions, a concerted effort is needed to integrate basic immunological research with translational studies, enabling the identification of immunological biomarkers, development of targeted therapies, and design of preventive strategies to combat the dual threats of viral infections and cancer.

We welcome submissions in the following formats: Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives, Case Reports, Brief Research Reports, and Opinions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

o How viruses modulate host immune responses (innate and adaptive) to promote tumor progression, including suppression or evasion of immune surveillance, induction of immunosuppressive cells (such as Tregs and MDSCs), alteration of antigen presentation, and mechanisms of immunoediting and immune escape.
o The role of exosomes and other extracellular vesicles in mediating viral communication, immune modulation, and the remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment.
o Identification of immune-related biomarkers for early detection of virus-associated cancers.
o The impact of chronic viral infections on shaping tumor immune microenvironments and promoting immune-mediated processes that support metastasis.
o Recent advances in antiviral therapies and their application in restoring anti-tumor immunity or preventing and treating virus-associated cancers.
o Case studies or epidemiological studies focusing on immune modulation in virus-associated malignancies in specific populations.
o Innovative diagnostic tools and technologies for detecting viral immune evasion strategies or assessing immune status in cancer patients with viral infections.

Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by robust and relevant validation (clinical cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this Research Topic.