Viral genomics and immune evasion

Viral genomics is a rapidly evolving area of research that plays a crucial role in deciphering how viruses interact with and adapt to their hosts. Despite significant advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, understanding the complete repertoire of viral strategies for circumventing host immunity remains a central challenge in virology and immunology. As new viral pathogens continue to emerge and previously known viruses adapt to changing environments, there is a growing recognition of the profound influence viral genomic variation has on the persistence, transmission, and pathogenesis of infections. Important questions remain as to how specific genetic changes enable immune escape and how these mechanisms shape viral evolution across different families and host species.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of immune evasion strategies employed by viruses. It seeks to elucidate how genomic changes contribute to the capacity of viruses to subvert or antagonize host immune systems, and to identify commonalities and divergences in these processes across different viral families and ecological settings. By integrating insights from genomics, molecular biology, and systems immunology, the topic endeavors to provide a foundation for innovative approaches to viral surveillance, therapeutic design, and vaccine development.

We welcome manuscripts focusing on, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:

• Viral Genomics and Immune Evasion Mechanism in RNA viruses

• Dysbiosis as a Viral Entry Strategy

• Microbiome-Mediated Viral Evasion

• Antiviral Protein Targets

• Deep Mutational Scanning and Systems Approach