The co-existence between bacteria and humans dates back millions of years, and throughout history, it has exerted strong selective pressure on immunity and bacteria. On one hand, co-existence with bacteria has led to the evolution of ever more sophisticated immune mechanisms for clearing bacterial infections by the host, and on the other hand, has led to the evolution of complex and efficient methods for microbial pathogens to overcome innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, resulting in disease or chronic infections. Bacteria have a variety of strategies for evading immune recognition, which include modifying their cell surface, releasing proteins that suppress or degrade host immune components, and even mimicking host molecules to promote immune evasion. Mastering these camouflage techniques and precise weapons by bacterial pathogens greatly complicates efforts to develop new vaccines and innovative treatments. While we may never fully understand all their secrets, continued study into host-pathogen interactions will get us closer to eliminating bacterial pathogens from the host. On the other hand, the specific immune tuning exerted by some bacterial factors might be useful for therapeutic purposes.
In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of reviews (Mini Reviews, Reviews, Opinions) as well as novel Original Research articles covering the following themes related to interactions of bacteria with the human host:
- Modulation of the immune response by pathogenic bacteria
- New strategies and therapeutics for the control of microbial diseases
- Microbial components, T cells, and trained immunity
- Therapeutic potential of bacterial factors
- Microbial components for use as adjuvants of antitumor immunotherapy
We hope that deciphering the mechanisms by which microbial pathogens manipulate our immune system will contribute to progress in the field of novel treatments and prevention strategies of communicable diseases and provide tools for the development of new biological therapeutics.
The co-existence between bacteria and humans dates back millions of years, and throughout history, it has exerted strong selective pressure on immunity and bacteria. On one hand, co-existence with bacteria has led to the evolution of ever more sophisticated immune mechanisms for clearing bacterial infections by the host, and on the other hand, has led to the evolution of complex and efficient methods for microbial pathogens to overcome innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, resulting in disease or chronic infections. Bacteria have a variety of strategies for evading immune recognition, which include modifying their cell surface, releasing proteins that suppress or degrade host immune components, and even mimicking host molecules to promote immune evasion. Mastering these camouflage techniques and precise weapons by bacterial pathogens greatly complicates efforts to develop new vaccines and innovative treatments. While we may never fully understand all their secrets, continued study into host-pathogen interactions will get us closer to eliminating bacterial pathogens from the host. On the other hand, the specific immune tuning exerted by some bacterial factors might be useful for therapeutic purposes.
In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of reviews (Mini Reviews, Reviews, Opinions) as well as novel Original Research articles covering the following themes related to interactions of bacteria with the human host:
- Modulation of the immune response by pathogenic bacteria
- New strategies and therapeutics for the control of microbial diseases
- Microbial components, T cells, and trained immunity
- Therapeutic potential of bacterial factors
- Microbial components for use as adjuvants of antitumor immunotherapy
We hope that deciphering the mechanisms by which microbial pathogens manipulate our immune system will contribute to progress in the field of novel treatments and prevention strategies of communicable diseases and provide tools for the development of new biological therapeutics.