Mechanistic Insights into Host–Pathogen Interactions and Immune Responses: From Discovery to Therapeutic Potential

We are pleased to present a follow-up (Volume II) to the Research Topic "Emerging Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions and immune responses".

Host-pathogen interactions are dynamic processes that encompass the techniques employed by pathogens to infect and overcome immune systems, as well as the host's attempts to identify and eradicate invaders. Recent findings underscore methods include pathogen release of virulence factors, molecular mimicry, and the regulation of host cellular pathways such as autophagy. Innate immune sensors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and inflammasomes, on the host side identify pathogens, initiating cascades that activate adaptive immunity. Recent findings regarding non-coding RNAs, epigenetic modifications, and microbiome elucidate their functions in regulating immune responses. These advancements are essential for creating novel therapeutics, such as vaccinations and immune-targeting pharmaceuticals, to enhance the management of infectious disorders.

These studies aim to understand the complex and dynamic host-pathogen interactions and their effects on immune responses. How bacteria elude immune detection, influence host cellular pathways, and create chronic infections remains unclear despite major advances in understanding these interactions. Further research is needed on virulence factors, molecular mimicry, and autophagy and other host cellular processes. The host's detection systems, such as TLRs and inflammasomes, and adaptive immune modulation by non-coding RNAs, epigenetic changes, and microbiota need further study. This research will uncover and describe novel host-pathogen interaction and immune regulation molecular mechanisms to solve these difficulties. Using genomes, proteomics, and high-resolution imaging, the project will identify pathogen strategies and host defensive mechanisms. These discoveries should be used to develop precision vaccinations and immune-modulating medications to fight infectious diseases and enhance public health. By filling these knowledge gaps, the findings could lead to better infection management measures.

This Research Topic aims to explore the emerging mechanisms driving host-pathogen interactions and their impact on immune responses. Contributors are encouraged to address themes such as:

• Pathogen strategies for infection, immune evasion, and manipulation of host cellular pathways (e.g., autophagy, signaling).
• Host immune detection mechanisms, including the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), inflammasomes, and other innate immune sensors.
• The influence of non-coding RNAs, epigenetic modifications, and microbiota on immune modulation.
• Novel therapeutic strategies, including vaccines and immune-targeting drugs, derived from understanding these mechanisms.

We welcome diverse types of manuscripts, including original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, methods, and perspectives. Submissions focusing on interdisciplinary approaches, such as systems biology, structural biology, or immunogenomics, are highly encouraged to advance knowledge in this critical field of infectious diseases and immunology.

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... 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
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• 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: Virulence Factors, Molecular Mimicry, Adaptive and Innate Immunity, Microbiota, Cellular interaction, Host Defense

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.