The interaction between microbial pathogens and the host immune system is a complex and dynamic process that plays a crucial role in the outcome of infections, including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Understanding these interactions can lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance immune responses or modulate them in cases of autoimmune diseases. Recent advances in molecular biology, genomics, and immunology have shed light on various mechanisms by which microbes modulate host immunity, including the evasion of immune detection, manipulation of immune signaling pathways, and alteration of the host's microbiome. These mechanisms are especially relevant for NTDs due to the unique immune evasion strategies employed by the pathogens and the challenges in treating these diseases in resource-limited settings.

This collection will focus on:
1. Mechanisms of Immune Modulation by Microbes: Exploring how bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evade, suppress, or manipulate host immune responses, with a special emphasis on pathogens causing NTDs.
2. Host-Microbe Interactions: Investigating the molecular and cellular interactions between pathogens and host immune cells in the context of NTDs.
3. Therapeutic Applications: Discussing the potential of microbial components or derived molecules in developing new vaccines, immunotherapies, and treatments for infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as autoimmune diseases.
4. Microbiome and Immunity: Examining the role of the host microbiome in shaping immune responses, including its implications for NTDs, and its implications for health and disease.

The Research Topic will welcome original research articles, reviews, and short communications on topics including but not limited to:
• Molecular mechanisms of immune evasion by pathogens;
• Host signaling pathways targeted by microbial effectors;
• Role of the microbiome in modulating host immunity;
• Development of microbial-based vaccines and therapeutics;
• Case studies of immune modulation in specific infections;
• The impact of antibiotics and probiotics on host immune responses.

Impact

Frontiers in Tropical Diseases

Disease Prevention and Control Policy