Novel Therapeutics Targeting the Host-Pathogen Interaction

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, there is an urgent need for new strategies to combat human diseases caused by intracellular pathogens, including viruses, intracellular bacteria, and protozoa. An attractive solution to fulfill this demand is to repurpose already approved drugs that target host functions required for the lifecycle of intracellular pathogens. Off-label use of approved drugs requires significantly less capital and time and diminishes the clinical risks because such drugs are already rigorously tested for their primary indication. To effectively meet the clinical needs posed by emerging intracellular pathogens, host-targeted broad-spectrum therapies may find utility. For this reason, the knowledge of host-pathogen interactions is vital for our understanding of infectious diseases, as well as their spread, development, treatment, and prevention. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of host-pathogen interaction can provide important new insights into the identification of novel targets for both host effectors and microbial factors, and lead to new therapeutic treatments. Infection by a pathogenic microorganism triggers a coordinated activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. After initial contact between host and pathogen, host innate immune activation results in the production of multiple effector molecules, including cytokines and chemokines as well as antimicrobial proteins, to combat invading pathogens and parasites. In addition, the innate immune response quickly triggers an antimicrobial response that will initiate the development of a pathogen-specific, long-lasting adaptive immune response. 

In this Special Issue, we aim to address the relevance of host-pathogen interactions for experimental and applied therapy. In particular, investigations into mechanisms and pathogenic strategies could provide new ideas to develop innovative tools that can be utilized to modulate microbial pathogenesis. We welcome the submission of research material focused on any of the different biological interaction points mentioned above, hoping that these will result in a better understanding of pathogen-host biological interactions and open new doors in scientific research.

Dr. Cinzia Giagulli
Guest Editor

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