Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, poses a significant threat to food safety and public health, particularly in refrigerated and processed foods due to its adaptability to various environmental conditions, including cold temperatures. Its notorious ability to cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness with severe symptoms, is of particular concern for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Annually, it is estimated to be responsible for approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths in the United States alone. Ongoing research and surveillance are essential to prevent and manage listeriosis outbreaks, given its remarkable adaptability, immune system evasion, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Efforts are continually directed toward understanding the mechanism of virulence as well as the host-pathogen interaction, crucial for advancing scientific knowledge in the prevention and treatment strategies against this bacterium.

This research topic aims to explore scientific gaps associated with Listeria monocytogenes. The main focus includes but is not limited to, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of Listeria monocytogenes virulence, elucidating the cell biology of host-pathogen interactions and immune evasion mechanisms, and investigating the host's innate and adaptive immunity to infection. Additionally, the development and efficacy of Listeria monocytogenes vaccines will be examined. By addressing these specific questions and hypotheses, the research aims to contribute to the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies against listeriosis.

To gather further insights into the transmission, mechanisms of bacterial virulence, and host-pathogen interaction of Listeria monocytogenes, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms of Listeria monocytogenes virulence
- Cell biology of host-pathogen interactions and immune evasion mechanisms
- Host innate and adaptive immunity to infection
- Development and efficacy of Listeria monocytogenes vaccines
- Surveillance and epidemiology of listeriosis outbreaks
- Novel therapeutic approaches and interventions
- Environmental factors influencing Listeria monocytogenes survival and transmission

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Frontiers in Bacteriology

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