Cell-death regulation in host-pathogen interactions: Autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis at the host-pathogen interface

Cellular and infection microbiology is increasingly centered on the dynamic regulation of host cell death during encounters with pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Host cells employ a repertoire of programmed cell-death pathways—autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis among them—to mount effective responses against invasive microbes. While classical apoptosis has been the subject of extensive investigation, emerging evidence highlights the crucial contribution of non-apoptotic forms of cell death in determining infection outcomes and shaping host immunity. Recent breakthroughs have revealed intricate cross-talk between these pathways, as well as microbial strategies to manipulate or evade them for survival, replication, or dissemination. Fundamental questions remain about when and how these different modes of cell death are preferentially activated by viral versus bacterial challenges, and what molecular switches control this vital decision-making.This Research Topic aims to unravel the regulatory mechanisms governing autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis in the context of viral and bacterial infections. The main objectives are to define the pathogen- and context-specific triggers for each death pathway, dissect their interplay in modulating immunity and pathogen clearance, and uncover the microbial virulence factors or host proteins that act as pivotal regulators. By illuminating whether and how these cell-death modalities serve as antiviral or antibacterial defense strategies—or are hijacked for microbial benefit—we seek to advance the fundamental understanding of host-pathogen interactions. This endeavor will also guide translational research addressing how modulation of these pathways could yield innovative therapeutic avenues for infectious diseases.The scope of this Research Topic is limited to mechanistic, cellular, and translational studies focused on autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis in the host response to bacterial and viral pathogens; studies concerning non-infectious triggers or alternative forms of cell death will not be included. To advance this field, we welcome submissions on, but not limited to, the following themes:- Pathogen-induced modulation and evasion of autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis- Cross-talk and coordination among cell-death pathways during infection- Identification and functional analysis of microbial and host regulators- Impact of cell-death regulation on immune signaling and disease progression- Therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy, ferroptosis, or pyroptosis in infection- Use of model hosts and advanced imaging/proteomics to study cell-death dynamics Topic editors: Penggang Liu, Haider H. Dar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80664/cell-death-regulation-in-host-pathogen-interactions-autophagy-ferroptosis-and-pyroptosis-at-the-host-pathogen-interface