Host-Pathogen Interactions in Intracellular Bacteria: Mechanisms, Evasion Strategies, and Therapeutic Insights

Intracellular bacteria have evolved specialized mechanisms to thrive within host cells, often bypassing immune defenses and manipulating host pathways for their benefit. This journal topic aims to deepen our understanding of the molecular strategies used by these bacteria, highlighting their complex evasion tactics and potential therapeutic interventions.

Research in this area focuses on how bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Salmonella enterica invade host cells, resist lysosomal destruction, and utilize cellular machinery for replication. Studies may explore bacterial effectors that interact with host proteins, enabling bacteria to adapt and maintain their intracellular niches.

These pathogens employ various evasion strategies to avoid immune detection, reduce inflammatory responses, and modify immune cell activity. For instance, Listeria monocytogenes uses listeriolysin O to escape phagosomal containment, whereas Chlamydia species can inhibit host cell apoptosis.

Traditional antibiotics are often inadequate against intracellular bacteria due to drug delivery challenges and resistance. Therefore, novel strategies such as host-directed therapies, targeting host-pathogen interaction networks, and developing specific vaccines are crucial.

Despite progress, detailed insights into the specific mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions in intracellular bacteria remain sparse. This research topic invites original articles and reviews that address these interactions, bacterial evasion strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches. By examining these intricate dynamics, we aim to advance infectious disease research and inspire new treatments for intracellular bacterial infections.

Submissions are welcome on themes such as:

Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Entry and Survival:

-Bacterial adhesion, invasion tactics, and adaptation to intracellular environments
-Role of bacterial effectors in manipulating host cell functions

Pathogen-Induced Modulation of Host Systems:

-Interactions between bacterial and host signaling pathways
-Influence on cytoskeletal dynamics and vesicular trafficking

Immune Evasion and Modulation by Intracellular Bacteria:

-Evasion of lysosomal degradation and autophagy
-Mechanisms to suppress apoptosis and evade surveillance

Host-Directed Therapeutics and Immune Strategies:

-Host-targeted therapies to counter bacterial manipulation
-Development of immunomodulatory drugs to boost host defenses

Drug Resistance and Challenges in Therapy:

-Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
-Challenges in drug delivery for intracellular pathogens

Emerging Approaches and Vaccination Strategies:

-Novel targets and drug delivery systems
-Vaccine advancements against intracellular bacteria

Systems Biology and Host-Pathogen Networks

-Omics approaches to map host-pathogen interactions
-Integrative models of bacterial manipulation

Case Studies on Specific Pathogens:

-Studies on pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Chlamydia trachomatis
-Insights into host-pathogen interactions and therapeutic possibilities

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
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... 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
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Intracellular Bacteria, Immune Evasion, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Therapeutic Interventions

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.