Host Innate Immune Responses to Infection by Avian- and Bat-borne Viruses Volume II

Avian- and bat-borne viruses represent an important source of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease, including avian influenza, flaviviruses, alphaviruses, coronaviruses, filoviruses, and rhabdoviruses. Their increasing occurrence has emphasized the need to understand how viral pathogens interact with host innate immune systems and how these responses influence infection, transmission, pathogenesis, and disease outcome. Although type I interferon and related antiviral pathways provide an essential first line of defence, major differences exist between the innate immune gene repertoires and regulatory mechanisms of birds, bats, and other mammals. These differences complicate the interpretation of studies conducted in human or rodent models and highlight the limitations of existing experimental systems. Recent research has revealed distinctive features of avian and bat immunity, while also identifying substantial gaps in the characterization of species-specific immune factors, cellular responses, and virus–host interactions. Improved models, reagents, and comparative approaches are therefore required to clarify the mechanisms governing susceptibility, tolerance, viral persistence, and cross-species transmission.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of innate and adaptive immune responses to avian- and bat-borne viruses by integrating virological, immunological, molecular, biochemical, and comparative perspectives. It will address how host factors shape viral replication and pathogenesis, how viruses evade or antagonize antiviral defences, and how immune responses contribute to protection or disease. Contributions may also examine hypotheses concerning species-specific immune adaptations, determinants of zoonotic spillover, and the relevance of avian and bat models for human infection. The Research Topic further seeks to support the development of improved experimental systems and inform strategies for virus surveillance, prevention, and control.To gather further insights into host immune responses and virus–host interactions in avian and bat infections, this Research Topic will focus on the following themes:- Viral infection and innate or adaptive immunity- Viral pathogenesis and host–virus interactions- Avian or bat virus transmission and human disease- Development of immunological, molecular, or biochemical reagents and cell lines for studying avian and bat immune responses- Prevention and control strategies, including vaccine development- Isolation and full-genome characterization of novel avian- and bat-borne viruses- Type I interferon and other antiviral signalling pathways- Comparative analysis of innate immune gene repertoires across birds, bats, and mammals- Experimental models for investigating viral infection, immunity, and zoonotic potential Topic editors: Efstathios Giotis, Xing-Yi Ge, Jacqueline Smith Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/70701/host-innate-immune-responses-to-infection-by-avian--and-bat-borne-viruses-volume-ii