Advances in Host–Pathogen Molecular Interactions: New Tools, Targets, and Therapeutic Strategies with a Focus on Neuroinfectious Mechanisms

The field of host–pathogen interactions has rapidly evolved over the past decade, thanks to transformative advances in molecular biology, single-cell technologies, and computational analytics. Infectious diseases that target the central nervous system (CNS) pose significant global health challenges due to their complexity, severity, and frequent involvement of intricate neuroimmune processes. Recent research has shed light on the molecular crosstalk between invading pathogens and neural tissues, highlighting diverse mechanisms such as blood–brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, and immune cell modulation within the CNS. Despite breakthroughs in multi-omics platforms and innovative infection models, substantial gaps remain in our mechanistic understanding of neuroinfectious diseases, particularly regarding pathogen persistence, immune evasion, and the specificity of host responses at the cellular and tissue levels. There is also a growing recognition of the need to integrate ecological and One Health perspectives, as well as standardize data resources, to advance the field.This Research Topic aims to provide a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary contributions that explore the molecular underpinnings and translational potential of host–pathogen interactions, with a strong emphasis on neuroinfectious mechanisms. The objectives include elucidating novel molecular pathways, evaluating the efficacy of emerging therapeutic strategies—including host-directed therapies, phage and CRISPR-based antimicrobials, and immunometabolic interventions—and advancing our capacity to model and predict infection outcomes using computational and systems-level approaches. Central to these aims is the investigation of how pathogens manipulate CNS-specific cellular networks and how host defense mechanisms can be harnessed or modulated to prevent or treat neuroinfectious diseases.Rooted in mechanistic, technological, and translational advances, the scope of this Research Topic focuses on studies that dissect the complexity of host–pathogen molecular dialogues, especially in the context of CNS involvement. We welcome submissions ranging from basic mechanistic research to translational and clinical perspectives, drawing from both human and model organism studies. To gather further insights in these domains, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Single-cell and spatial omics analyses of infected tissues, particularly the CNS- Host-directed therapies, immune modulation, and neuroimmune interventions- Phage therapy, engineered phages, and CRISPR-based antimicrobial approaches- Host–pathogen metabolic crosstalk and immunometabolism- Advanced infection models—including organoids, organ-on-chip systems, and in vivo imaging- Structural biology and molecular mechanisms of infection- Host epigenetic and transcriptional regulation during infection- Neuroinfectious mechanisms and neuroimmune crosstalk- Microbiome, coinfections, and ecological One-Health perspectives- Computational and AI-driven approaches for host–pathogen interaction prediction- Antigenic variation, immune evasion, and vaccine target identification- Data standards, resources, and reproducibility in HPI researchA wide range of article types are welcomed: Brief Research Report, Correction, Editorial, FAIR² Data, General Commentary, Hypothesis and Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Policy Brief, Review, Technology and Code. Topic editors: Satish Rojekar, Rukmani Pandey, Namdev Shivaji Togre, Priyanka Bhoj, Amira Zarrouk Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76321/advances-in-host-pathogen-molecular-interactions-new-tools-targets-and-therapeutic-strategies-with-a-focus-on-neuroinfectious-mechanisms