Host Response against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Implications for Diagnosis, Treatment and Vaccine Development

Dear Colleagues,

SARS-CoV-2 continues its frenzied race towards unknown evolutive goals that are difficult to predict. To date, we have experienced four pandemic waves—with a fifth on the rise—accounting for more than half a billion people infected and more than six million dead. These numbers are impressive and stress the need for appropriate responses. Though several strategies, from quick vaccine development and administration to the design and availability of antivirals including monoclonal antibodies, have already been employed, we are still experiencing an unjustified number of fatalities. In the last two years, the scientific community implemented huge research efforts that massively impacted our understanding of the viral pathogenesis mechanism related to the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the COVID-19 syndrome. Using fundamental and breakthrough research techniques to tackle the pandemic, we deepened our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying host–microbe interactions, leading to development of effective vaccines and treatments. This Topic welcomes innovative, high-quality research articles, as well as review articles with original opinions focused on the host response to the SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of its implications for diagnosis, treatment and innovative vaccine development. We seek contributions that report the latest advances, challenges and methodologies for tackling COVID-19. Investigations on in silico models built on the pandemic prevalence and incidence are also welcome. Submissions should clarify the substantive improvements on work that has already been published, accepted for publication, or submitted in parallel to other conferences or journals.

Dr. Fabrizio Angius
Prof. Dr. Meng Ling Moi
Topic Editors