Physiological Regulation in Species Infections: Investigating Pathogen-Host Dynamics and Stress Responses in Aquatic Organisms

Aquaculture significantly contributes to global food production, yet it faces substantial challenges from bacterial and viral infections, which lead to high mortality rates and considerable economic losses. For example, grass carp septicemia, a severe bacterial infection, causes systemic inflammation, septic shock, and elevated mortality rates, resulting in serious economic repercussions.

The innate immune system, an integral part of the host's defense mechanism, includes physical barriers, immune cells, and molecular components. Understanding the intricate dynamics between pathogens and the innate immune system of the host is essential for devising effective prevention and control strategies. Despite their efficacy, many pathogens have evolved mechanisms to circumvent these defenses, leading to severe infections.

This research topic aims to address these pressing questions by inviting studies that investigate and discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms of infections and the physiological regulations in aquatic organisms. Specifically, it seeks to elucidate how pathogens bypass host barriers, the roles of key immune cells in responding to infections, and the critical signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in the immune response. By delving into these areas, this research aspires to uncover novel insights into the regulatory functions of the immune system during infections in aquatic organisms, potentially guiding more effective disease prevention and management strategies in aquaculture.

We welcome the submission of Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Perspectives to enhance our understanding of physiological regulation in species infections. Submissions addressing the following sub-themes are particularly encouraged:

1. Host-Pathogen Interaction Mechanisms:
• Investigation of endocrine signaling pathways involved in pathogen-induced diseases.
• Analysis of innate immune system components, key signaling pathways, and molecular targets in pathogen infection.
2. Impact of Environmental Stressors on Disease Susceptibility:
• Exploration of infections in aquatic organisms under various environmental stresses.
• Investigation of the physiological mechanisms by which external disturbances, such as changes in water temperature, salinity,
and pollution, affect disease susceptibility, as well as the growth and development of aquatic organisms.
3. Microbiome and Infection Dynamics:
• Assessment of the roles of endocrine regulation in the context of bacterial and viral infections.
• Investigation of interactions between the host microbiome and infection dynamics.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Host-Pathogen, Aquatic Physiology, Stressors, Innate Immunity, Aquaculture, Pathogen Evasion

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.