About this Research Topic
Viral infections pose significant threats to human health, with many viruses capable of infiltrating the central nervous system (CNS) and causing severe consequences such as immune activation, encephalitis, and cognitive impairment. Notable viruses like HIV, EBV, HCV, JC virus, CMV, and the recent SARS-CoV-2 have been linked to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. These viruses can impact the CNS through direct infection of CNS cells—such as microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons—leading to altered cell homeostasis, blood-brain barrier damage, and leukocyte recruitment. Additionally, systemic inflammation from viral infections outside the CNS can exacerbate or independently cause immune dysfunction in the brain. Despite these insights, the specific mechanisms and effects of many pathogens on the brain remain unclear. This research topic seeks to consolidate current evidence on how viruses affect CNS homeostasis and cell function, contributing to pathological outcomes. It aims to identify potential similarities and differences in the mechanisms and effects of various viruses on the CNS, with a focus on the long-term impact on resident brain cells.
This research topic aims to elucidate the immunological consequences of viral infections on brain homeostasis and cognitive function. By examining the effects of different viruses on the CNS, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms driving immune dysfunction and cognitive impairment. The ultimate goal is to inform strategies for targeting and eradicating viruses from the CNS, thereby improving brain health for millions affected by viral infections annually.
To gather further insights into the immunological consequences of viral infections on brain homeostasis and cognitive impairment, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Studies assessing the effects of viruses, including but not limited to HIV, SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Zika virus, on the central nervous system.
- Basic mechanistic studies (in vitro/in vivo/ex vivo) exploring the effects of viral infection, exposure, or immune activation on CNS cell homeostasis and function.
- Investigations into viral persistence in the CNS, including mechanisms and consequences.
- Clinical trials and case reports examining the effects of viral infection on immune activation in the brain.
This research topic aims to elucidate the immunological consequences of viral infections on brain homeostasis and cognitive function. By examining the effects of different viruses on the CNS, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms driving immune dysfunction and cognitive impairment. The ultimate goal is to inform strategies for targeting and eradicating viruses from the CNS, thereby improving brain health for millions affected by viral infections annually.
To gather further insights into the immunological consequences of viral infections on brain homeostasis and cognitive impairment, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Studies assessing the effects of viruses, including but not limited to HIV, SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Zika virus, on the central nervous system.
- Basic mechanistic studies (in vitro/in vivo/ex vivo) exploring the effects of viral infection, exposure, or immune activation on CNS cell homeostasis and function.
- Investigations into viral persistence in the CNS, including mechanisms and consequences.
- Clinical trials and case reports examining the effects of viral infection on immune activation in the brain.
Keywords: Central Nervous System, viral infection, immune activation, brain homeostasis, cognitive impairment
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.
