Neuropharmacological Insights into Host-Pathogen Interactions and Behavioral Modulations

The proposed Research Topic explores the intersection of neuropharmacology and host-pathogen interactions, with a focus on understanding the neural mechanisms influenced by pathogens and the subsequent behavioral modulations. This includes examining how neurochemical pathways, such as those mediated by inflammasome / Innate Immunity, are activated or suppressed in response to microbial infections. Furthermore, it investigates the role of antibiotics and other neuropharmacological agents in altering behavior in animal models, including zebrafish and mammalian systems, during infectious challenges. This multidisciplinary approach aims not only to unravel evolutionary insights into immune defenses but also to elucidate potential therapeutic strategies for modulating infection-induced neural dysfunctions across species.

The proposed research aims to address how microbial infections affect neural function and behavior by elucidating the neurochemical and innate immune pathways, such as inflammasome activation, that are modulated during infection. It seeks to determine how these neural-immune interactions translate into behavioral changes in various animal models, especially zebrafish and mammals, and to assess how neuropharmacological agents, including antibiotics, can influence or correct infection-induced neural and behavioral dysfunctions. Ultimately, the study aims to provide insights into conserved evolutionary mechanisms of host defense and identify potential therapeutic strategies for modulating infection-related neural disturbances.

The aim of this research is to investigate how microbial infections influence neural function and behavior, focusing on the interplay between innate immune pathways, including inflammasome activation, and neural processes. It seeks to understand how these neuro-immune interactions drive behavioral changes in animal models, particularly zebrafish, and how neuropharmacological interventions, such as antibiotics or other modulatory agents, can alter or mitigate infection-induced neural and behavioral dysfunctions. The research encompasses multidisciplinary approaches that integrate molecular mechanisms, immune responses, and behavioral outcomes, with a focus on translational relevance and evolutionary insights. Types of studies targeted include experimental work in model organisms (zebrafish, rodents, or other mammals) examining behavior and neuroimmune responses, investigations of inflammasome and innate immunity pathways during infection, studies assessing the effects of neuropharmacological interventions on infection-related neural and behavioral changes, comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses integrating immunology, neuroscience, and behavior, and comparative or evolutionary studies providing insights into conserved neuro-immune mechanisms across species.

Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
-Examines how microbial infections affect neural function and behavior.
- Focuses on innate immune mechanisms, such as inflammasome activation.
- Investigates neuro-immune interactions in zebrafish models.
- Explores behavioral changes resulting from infection and immune activation.
- Assesses effects of antibiotics and neuropharmacological agents on infection-induced neural and behavioral changes.
- Seeks evolutionary insights into conserved host defense strategies.
- Aims to identify therapeutic strategies for infection-related neural dysfunctions.
- Integrates molecular, immunological, and behavioral research approaches.

Welcomes experimental, review, and comparative studies.

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... View all formats

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Article types

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

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: NLRP1, innate immunity, inflammasome, neuropharmacology, zebrafish, host-pathogen interactions, behavior modulation, antibiotics, neural dysfunction, evolutionary immunology, neuroimmune interactionsNLRP3; NLRP6; IL1β; ASC; Caspase; Inflammation

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.