Emerging infectious diseases account for at least 15% of all human pathogens. Among these emergencies, we emphasize viral infections that in the last two decades have been the protagonists of important public health problems, such as the pandemics of Influenza A H1N1 (2009), ZIKA virus (2016), SARS-CoV-2 (2020-22), the Ebola epidemic in West Africa (2014) and Avian Influenza H7N9 ( 2013). Emerging viruses do not respect national boundaries and often spread in a global scale posing epidemic outbreaks and pandemic threat. More than ever, the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated the urgency of plans and strategies to deal with emerging and re-emerging diseases, including methods of prevention and containment. But how to be prepared? How can we mobilize to fight these emergencies?
First, epidemiological studies with systematic monitoring of the circulation of these agents and their characterization including genome sequencing are crucial for their early detection, allowing pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures to contain the disease. Second, studies involving the biology of the virus and the virus/host interaction coupled with an understanding of the pathophysiology and immune response are crucial for the development of new therapies. Finally, it has once again been proven that the most effective way to fight an epidemic or pandemic are vaccinations.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a worldwide effort to develop and produce safe and effective vaccines to combat its spreading and consequently reduce the number of deaths. It was possible by knowledge accumulated during the epidemics of other severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS and MERS), and the development of platforms for new vaccine development, including RNA, DNA, viral vector, subunit, and virus like particle (VLP) vaccines. Therefore, the success in facing the emergence of new pathogens depends on multidisciplinary and integrated studies to mitigate its impact and promote public health.
Given the recurrent global threats, it is thus exceptionally important to explore emerging viruses in detail, particularly in this challenging time. A deeper knowledge accumulated on these viruses would pave a way for novel targeted treatments, prevent evasion and mortality, and will significantly contribute to preventing the emergence of new pandemics. In this Research Topic we welcome submissions of Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-reviews, Perspectives, Commentary, and Methods in the specific areas of interest (but are not limited to):
• Origin and evolution of emerging viruses
• Biochemical and molecular characterization
• Cellular responses to virus-host interaction
• Immune and non-immune responses to virus-host interaction
• Diagnostic methods and therapeutic intervention
• Drug candidates and treatment
• Vaccination
• Genome Surveillance
Emerging infectious diseases account for at least 15% of all human pathogens. Among these emergencies, we emphasize viral infections that in the last two decades have been the protagonists of important public health problems, such as the pandemics of Influenza A H1N1 (2009), ZIKA virus (2016), SARS-CoV-2 (2020-22), the Ebola epidemic in West Africa (2014) and Avian Influenza H7N9 ( 2013). Emerging viruses do not respect national boundaries and often spread in a global scale posing epidemic outbreaks and pandemic threat. More than ever, the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated the urgency of plans and strategies to deal with emerging and re-emerging diseases, including methods of prevention and containment. But how to be prepared? How can we mobilize to fight these emergencies?
First, epidemiological studies with systematic monitoring of the circulation of these agents and their characterization including genome sequencing are crucial for their early detection, allowing pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures to contain the disease. Second, studies involving the biology of the virus and the virus/host interaction coupled with an understanding of the pathophysiology and immune response are crucial for the development of new therapies. Finally, it has once again been proven that the most effective way to fight an epidemic or pandemic are vaccinations.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a worldwide effort to develop and produce safe and effective vaccines to combat its spreading and consequently reduce the number of deaths. It was possible by knowledge accumulated during the epidemics of other severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS and MERS), and the development of platforms for new vaccine development, including RNA, DNA, viral vector, subunit, and virus like particle (VLP) vaccines. Therefore, the success in facing the emergence of new pathogens depends on multidisciplinary and integrated studies to mitigate its impact and promote public health.
Given the recurrent global threats, it is thus exceptionally important to explore emerging viruses in detail, particularly in this challenging time. A deeper knowledge accumulated on these viruses would pave a way for novel targeted treatments, prevent evasion and mortality, and will significantly contribute to preventing the emergence of new pandemics. In this Research Topic we welcome submissions of Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-reviews, Perspectives, Commentary, and Methods in the specific areas of interest (but are not limited to):
• Origin and evolution of emerging viruses
• Biochemical and molecular characterization
• Cellular responses to virus-host interaction
• Immune and non-immune responses to virus-host interaction
• Diagnostic methods and therapeutic intervention
• Drug candidates and treatment
• Vaccination
• Genome Surveillance
