Balance of inflammation and immune suppression in infectious diseases

The interplay between inflammation and immune suppression is central to host defense during infectious diseases. An appropriate inflammatory response is essential for controlling pathogens, yet excessive or unresolved inflammation can cause tissue injury, immune exhaustion, or systemic pathology. Conversely, mechanisms of immune suppression—including regulatory cytokines, inhibitory checkpoints, and metabolic constraints—help limit immunopathology and restore homeostasis, but when dysregulated, they may enable persistent infection or immune evasion by pathogens. Achieving the right balance between these opposing forces is therefore critical for effective immunity and host survival.This Research Topic aims to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate inflammation and immune suppression during infections, spanning viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal contexts. We seek contributions that illuminate how host and pathogen factors shape immune regulation, and how these processes can be therapeutically modulated to improve disease outcomes.We welcome studies that address the following, but not limited to:-Mechanisms regulating immune responses and tolerance during acute and chronic infections-Pathogen-induced immunosuppressive strategies and their impact on disease persistence-Cytokine networks, regulatory T cells, and metabolic pathways that control inflammation in infection-Immune checkpoints and inhibitory receptor signaling in host–pathogen interactions-Novel therapeutic or vaccine strategies that recalibrate immune balance to enhance protection without immunopathology-Translational and interdisciplinary approaches linking basic immunology with clinical infectious disease researchWe invite original research articles, comprehensive reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives, including work that integrates preclinical, clinical, and systems-level approaches. Through this collection, we aim to advance our understanding of how inflammatory and immunosuppressive mechanisms can be orchestrated for optimal host defense and to guide the design of next-generation immunotherapies against infectious diseases. The topic editors declare no conflict of interest Topic editors: Neelam Bodhale, Arup Sarkar, Ashutosh Gupta, Bhaskar Saha Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/72458/balance-of-inflammation-and-immune-suppression-in-infectious-diseases