Immunity to Enteric Viruses

Dear Colleagues,

Enteric virus infections pose a significant global health challenge, particularly impacting infants and young children. This diverse group of viruses, including rotaviruses, noroviruses, sapoviruses, astroviruses, enteric adenoviruses and viruses in the Picobirnaviridae family are common etiological agents of acute viral gastroenteritis. The pathophysiology of viral diarrhea is multifaceted and complex, with various mechanisms at play. However, a crucial aspect of combatting these infections is the host's immune response, as well as the passive maternal immunity transferred thourgh the placenta to the baby’s bloodstream, and breast feeding acting locally in the neonatal gut. Both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms play pivotal roles in safeguarding the host against enteric viral infections, specially at the gut mucosa. In addition, maternal immunity can modulate this neonatal active immunity. Furthermore, variations in the host's genetic makeup and epigenetic, including differences in the expression of histo-blood group antigens and gut microbiota, are linked to susceptibility or resistance to specific enteric viruses. Research in this area has unveiled new avenues for potential interventions and therapies.

In this context, we are pleased to announce our Special Issue of Viruses, which aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of host immunity to these pathogens. We invite researchers to contribute their findings and insights through the submission of research articles, review articles and short communications. Topics of interest encompass innate and adaptive immune responses to enteric viruses, host genetic factors influencing susceptibility and the role of gut microbiota in immune defense. This Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of how the host combats enteric viral infections, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic measures.

Prof. Dr. Lijuan Yuan
Dr. Viviana Parreño
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• rotavirus, norovirus, sapoviruses, astroviruses, enteric adenoviruses, picobirnaviruses
• intrinsic, innate, T cell and B cell responses to enteric viral infections
• immunity against enteric viruses
• gut microbiome and immunity to enteric viruses
• host genetic factors in immunity to enteric viruses
• passive maternal antibodies adquired through active transference