Mitochondria are best known for their role in energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Beyond this, mitochondria are central in cellular metabolism, regulating apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and calcium homeostasis. Recently, the dynamic nature of mitochondria, encompassing processes including fusion, fission, biogenesis, and mitophagy, has been recognized as crucial for maintaining cellular function and responding to metabolic and environmental stress.
The immune system depends on metabolic adaptations to fulfill the energetic and biosynthetic demands of activation, differentiation, and function. Mitochondrial dynamics are intricately linked to these metabolic changes, influencing the function of various immune cells. For instance, mitochondrial fusion and fission are essential for the metabolic reprogramming of T cells during activation and differentiation, while mitophagy is crucial for macrophage function and resolution of inflammation.
In infectious diseases, mitochondria serve as a battleground in host-pathogen interactions. Pathogens often target mitochondrial processes to evade immune detection, subvert host metabolism, and promote their survival and replication. Conversely, the host immune system can manipulate mitochondrial dynamics to enhance antimicrobial responses and restore cellular homeostasis.
This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that explore the role of mitochondrial dynamics in immune responses and infectious diseases. We invite submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
• Mitochondrial Dynamics in Innate and Adaptive Immunity: Studies on how mitochondrial fusion, fission, and mitophagy regulate the function of immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells. • Mitochondrial Metabolism and Immune Cell Function: Research exploring the metabolic reprogramming of immune cells during activation, differentiation, and in response to infections, with a focus on the role of mitochondria. • Host-Pathogen Interactions Involving Mitochondria: Investigations into how pathogens manipulate mitochondrial functions to promote infection and how host cells leverage mitochondrial dynamics to counteract these strategies. • Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Infectious Diseases: Studies on how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation and infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. • Therapeutic Targeting of Mitochondrial Dynamics: Novel therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating mitochondrial function and dynamics to treat infectious and immune-related diseases.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives that provide new insights into the intricate relationship between mitochondrial dynamics, immune responses, and infectious diseases.
By contributing to this Research Topic, authors will have the opportunity to advance our understanding of mitochondrial biology in immunology and infectious disease contexts and to highlight potential therapeutic avenues.
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
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:
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.
