About this Research Topic
In the realm of virology, the ongoing pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents as an urgent subject of study due to its devastating impact on global health. As the causative agent of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in the deaths of over 6.8 million individuals as of March 2023. This virus predominantly targets the respiratory system, where severe infections trigger an excessive inflammatory reaction, often culminating in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute lung injury (ALI), and extensive multi-organ failure. Recent research underlines the critical need for a regulated inflammatory response, suggesting potential pathways for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the dysregulation of the host immune response during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specific objectives include elucidating the pathological processes stemming from this dysregulation, investigating similar mechanisms in related viruses, and identifying novel therapeutic targets that could mitigate the complications of both acute and long-term COVID-19 manifestations. Through these aims, the ultimate goal is to unveil new and effective treatment protocols that could alleviate the widespread impact of this virus.
To gather further insights within these parameters, we welcome Original Research articles, Methods, Reviews and Mini-reviews that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 mediated modulation of immune responses
- Identification of novel viral or host factors involved in modulating antiviral immune response to SARS-CoV-2
- Proposed approaches to target the inflammatory "cytokine storm" and IFN antagonism associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Mechanisms involved in Long COVID-19 syndrome
- Studies on the immune response to viruses of the order Nidovirales, other than SARS-CoV-2.
This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the dysregulation of the host immune response during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specific objectives include elucidating the pathological processes stemming from this dysregulation, investigating similar mechanisms in related viruses, and identifying novel therapeutic targets that could mitigate the complications of both acute and long-term COVID-19 manifestations. Through these aims, the ultimate goal is to unveil new and effective treatment protocols that could alleviate the widespread impact of this virus.
To gather further insights within these parameters, we welcome Original Research articles, Methods, Reviews and Mini-reviews that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 mediated modulation of immune responses
- Identification of novel viral or host factors involved in modulating antiviral immune response to SARS-CoV-2
- Proposed approaches to target the inflammatory "cytokine storm" and IFN antagonism associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Mechanisms involved in Long COVID-19 syndrome
- Studies on the immune response to viruses of the order Nidovirales, other than SARS-CoV-2.
Keywords: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute lung injury, proinflammatory cytokines, IFN, interferon-stimulated genes
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.
