The field of immunology has long been dedicated to understanding the complex mechanisms by which the body defends itself against infectious agents. A critical component of this defense is the mucosal immune system, which serves as the first line of defense against pathogens entering through mucosal surfaces such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of innate immune receptors, such as toll-like receptors, NOD-like receptors, and RIG-I-like receptors, in recognizing and responding to these threats. These receptors initiate immune responses that not only prevent pathogen entry but also mitigate tissue damage and regulate adaptive immunity. Despite these advances, significant gaps remain in our understanding of how certain pathogens evade these defenses or trigger maladaptive immune responses. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies to enhance mucosal immunity and prevent infections.

This Research Topic aims to explore the acute immune responses of the host to infectious mucosal diseases, with a focus on identifying the mechanisms by which pathogens are recognized and neutralized. The objective is to uncover the vulnerabilities in the host immune system that pathogens exploit and to propose innovative interventions that can bolster mucosal immunity.

To gather further insights in mucosal immunology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• The roles and functions of diverse innate mucosal mediators: including immune cells, signaling molecules, and their interactions.

• The immune response dynamics of the gastrointestinal tract to various pathogens.

• Host immune strategies in the respiratory tract against bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.

• Development and evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches targeting mucosal immunity.

By investigating these areas, this Research Topic seeks to answer critical questions about the interplay between host defenses and pathogen evasion strategies, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective treatments for mucosal infections.

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Frontiers in Immunology

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