Mechanisms and Innovations in Combating Intracellular Infections

Intracellular bacterial and parasitic infections pose significant challenges to the host immune system due to their ability to survive and replicate within host cells. Pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Listeria monocytogenes, Plasmodium species, and Toxoplasma gondii have evolved various mechanisms to evade detection and destruction. These include altering phagosome maturation, resisting oxidative stress, and forming protective niches within host cells. The host initially detects these pathogens through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), triggering innate immune responses. This detection is crucial for controlling infections as it initiates the production of cytokines and chemokines, which recruit immune cells to the site.



The host mounts a multifaceted response involving innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells play pivotal roles in early defense, using phagocytosis and nitric oxide production to limit pathogen growth. Adaptive immunity further involves the activation of T cells by antigen-presenting cells. CD4+ T helper cells, especially the Th1 subset, enhance macrophage activity, while CD8+ cytotoxic T cells target infected cells. However, intracellular pathogens often interfere with antigen presentation and cytokine signaling, complicating immune responses. To address these challenges, research focuses on developing immune-modulating therapies and vaccines that enhance host defenses and reduce reliance on antibiotics, aiming to mitigate drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

The research collection welcomes article submissions that are related but not limited to



• Mechanisms of microbial intracellular survival and replication in pathogens

• Pattern Recognition Receptors and defense against intracellular infections

• Immune evasion strategies for bacteria or parasites

• The role of macrophages and dendritic cells in intracellular infection responses

• T Cell-mediated immunity in combating intracellular pathogens

• Innovative immunomodulatory therapies to combat intracellular pathogens

• Pathogen interference of antigen presentation

• Immune modulating strategies to overcome antimicrobial resistance of intracellular pathogens

Keywords: Host-pathogen interactions, Intracellular infections, Innate Immunity, Adaptive Immunity, Pattern Recognitions Receptors (PRRs), Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Listeria monocytogenes, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma gondii, Immune-modulators

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.