Immunology has seen significant progress in how we induce broad and durable immunity against viral pathogens, particularly those with high mutation rates, such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV. Traditional vaccines targeting stable, immunodominant epitopes have proven effective, but the variable nature of certain viral epitopes presents ongoing challenges, often overcoming the longevity of the immune protection offered. This variability necessitates innovative approaches to develop vaccines that can sustain effective immunity over time against such rapidly evolving viruses.
This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the interplay between human immune responses, particularly B cells, and highly mutable viral pathogens to develop foundational knowledge for more effective vaccines. Insights into the mechanisms of both pathogenic resistance and immune adaptability are critical. By exploring the dynamics of this evolutionary arms race, the goal is to identify novel, more robust strategies for vaccine development that can anticipate and counteract the rapid mutations of these viruses.
To gather further insights in this complex interplay, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
-Mechanistic insights into B cell adaptations in response to viral mutations.
-Evolutionary strategies employed by high-mutability pathogens to evade immunity.
-New vaccine designs incorporating evolutionary biology principles.
-Comparative immune response analyses across various high-mutation pathogens.
-Theoretical and computational models of pathogen evolution under immune pressure.
By examining these diverse approaches, this Research Topic seeks to enhance our understanding of biological interactions, improve vaccine efficacy, and address the prominent challenges posed by fast-evolving viral threats, ultimately leading to more effective disease control and prevention strategies.
Alexander Stewart has shares in 10X genomics. All the other topic editors declare no conflict of interest
Keywords: Immunology, Viral Pathogens, Vaccine Development, Broad Immunity, Long-lasting Immunity, T and B Cell Responses, Conserved Epitopes, Humoral Immune Response, Immunodominant Epitopes, Vaccinology Strategies
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.
