Respiratory pathogens, encompassing gram-positive pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus anthracis) and gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas, Pasteurella, other Enterobacteriaceae), give rise to a spectrum of respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. These diseases pose serious threats to human health and animal husbandry. Increasing studies have shown that innate immune responses play a crucial role in combating respiratory pathogen infections.
The innate immune system serves as the first line of defense of the host against pathogens, is primarily composed of barrier structures, innate immune cells, and innate immune molecules. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that many pathogens can overcome the immune barrier, leading to host infection. To replicate, pathogens not only alter cell function but also directly destroy cell structure, causing immunocyte apoptosis and even death. Innate immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and mast cells, are highly crucial to maintain host homeostasis. Innate immune molecules include antimicrobial peptides, lysozyme, and cytokines, which have bactericidal, antibacterial, and bacteriolytic effects on pathogens. Innate immune signals (e.g., Toll-Like receptors, RIG-I-Like receptors, and NOD-like receptors) can also coordinate the elimination of pathogens by regulating the expressions of activators or repressors.
Lungs have a unique and sophisticated immune environment. We still have limited knowledge about the innate immune response to pathogens. The crosstalk between respiratory pathogens and innate immune responses is still not comprehensively understood. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the interaction between pathogens and immunity is of great significance for enhancing our insight into the innate immune response to infections and identifying potential therapeutic targets for infectious diseases.

In this Research Topic, we will focus on the mechanisms underlying innate immune response to respiratory pathogen infection. The aim is to analyze the molecular mechanisms through which pathogens break barrier structures, elucidate the roles of key immune cells in specific pathogen infections, and reveal the immune regulatory function of immune molecules in respiratory pathogen infections. We hope to provide new insights into the prevention and control of respiratory pathogen infections-related diseases.

We welcome the submission of Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Perspectives that allow strengthening our understanding of respiratory infectious diseases concerning the various aspects. The following sub-topics are chiefly encouraged:

• Crosstalk between the innate immune system and respiratory pathogens
• Screening of key signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in the innate immune response to respiratory pathogen infection
• Metabolic modulation of innate immune cell functions in the context of respiratory pathogen infection
• Exploration of novel and promising therapeutic targets for diseases related to respiratory pathogen infection

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Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

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