Molecular and Structural Strategies for Novel Antimicrobials and Host-Pathogen-Microbiota Interactions

Infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pose significant threats to global health, with the continuous emergence of drug-resistant pathogens outpacing current antimicrobial therapies. Advances in structural biology and molecular microbiology provide critical tools to uncover new therapeutic targets and elucidate resistance mechanisms at the molecular level. Understanding the complex interactions among pathogens, host immune responses, and resident gut microbiota is essential, as these interactions significantly influence disease outcomes and treatment efficacy. Exploring the molecular and structural basis of these interactions can lead to innovative strategies for combatting infectious diseases, developing novel antimicrobials, and preserving antibiotic effectiveness.

The primary aim of this Research Topic is to address the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents and improved strategies to manage infections and resistance through molecular and structural insights. Despite significant advances, the rapid evolution of antimicrobial resistance continues to outpace drug discovery, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to uncovering novel drug targets, elucidating resistance mechanisms, and leveraging microbiota-mediated protection. By integrating cutting-edge structural and molecular techniques, this topic seeks to foster the discovery and design of new antibiotics, investigate the host–pathogen–microbiota interface, and explore innovative therapeutic approaches, including microbiome-targeted interventions. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the development of effective antimicrobials and therapies to mitigate the global threat posed by infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

This Research Topic invites original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and insightful perspectives that focus on molecular and structural strategies in antimicrobial discovery and host-pathogen-microbiota interactions. Manuscripts should address specific themes including, but not limited to:
- Structure-based discovery and validation of novel antimicrobial targets.
- Mechanistic insights into antimicrobial resistance and innovative solutions to overcome resistance.
- Interactions and mechanisms linking gut microbiota, pathogens, and host immunity.
- Molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions, including virulence factors and immune evasion strategies.
- Structure-guided therapeutic discovery including novel antibiotics, peptides, phage therapies, and microbiome-modulating interventions.
- Contributions should emphasize molecular and structural insights, offering substantial advancements in our understanding and ability to manage infectious pathogens.

Article types and fees

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

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• 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:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, structural biology, molecular microbiology, gut microbiota, antibiotic discovery, microbial ecology, drug design, host-pathogen interactions

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.