Immunopathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections: Immune regulation, immune evasion, inflammation, and emerging interventions

The field of infectious disease immunology has increasingly focused on the dynamic interplay between host immune responses and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which remain a pressing concern in global public health. Persistent bacterial STIs, such as those caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, are characterized by chronic inflammation, recurrent or prolonged infection, and a spectrum of clinical presentations. Critical to disease trajectory is the complex crosstalk between microbial virulence factors and host defense mechanisms, which together determine whether infection is cleared, persists, or results in tissue pathology. While significant advances have been made in understanding innate and adaptive immunity during STI pathogenesis, gaps remain in our knowledge of how pathogens evade host defenses, manipulate inflammation, and trigger chronic disease outcomes.This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of host-pathogen interactions in sexually transmitted bacterial infections. Central objectives include dissecting immune regulation, mapping microbial strategies for immune evasion, exploring drivers of inflammation, and evaluating innovative targets . Contributions detailing cytokine signaling, immune cell subset function, tissue repair pathways, and the role of the innate-adaptive interface are strongly encouraged. Studies leveraging advanced models—including organoids, high-dimensional single-cell methods, and in vivo systems—will enhance translational relevance and inform novel intervention strategies.This Research Topic is defined by its focus on mechanistic and translational research into host-microbe dynamics, immune regulation, and infection-driven pathology in sexually transmitted bacterial infections. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-Regulation of immune cell migration into genital tract, inflammatory responses, and fibrosis-Molecular mechanisms of immune evasion and modulation by STIs-Cytokine networks and signaling cascades influencing infection outcomes-Recruitment, function, and fate of innate and adaptive immune populations-Interactions between immune checkpoints, microbial effectors, and tissue damage-Use of advanced technologies (flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, organoid and animal models) to elucidate pathogenesis-Translation of mechanistic findings into novel immunomodulatory or host-directed therapiesSubmissions should provide novel, mechanistic, and/or translational insights into host–pathogen interactions in sexually transmitted bacterial infections, focusing on immune regulation, evasion, inflammation, and tissue pathology. Work integrating innate and adaptive immunity, linking microbial factors to disease outcomes, and using advanced models or clinically relevant data is encouraged. Manuscripts should be rigorous, data-rich, and clearly presented, with relevance for therapeutic targets, biomarkers, or host-directed interventions. We welcome original research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, perspectives, and methodological papers that advance understanding in this field.Submissions should provide novel, mechanistic, and/or translational insights into host–pathogen interactions in sexually transmitted bacterial infections, focusing on immune regulation, evasion, inflammation, and tissue pathology. Work integrating innate and adaptive immunity, linking microbial factors to disease outcomes, and using advanced models or clinically relevant data is encouraged. Manuscripts should be rigorous, data-rich, and clearly presented, with relevance for therapeutic targets, biomarkers, or host-directed interventions. We welcome original research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, perspectives, and methodological papers that advance understanding in this field. Topic editors: Won Fen Wong, Theocharis G Konstantinidis Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79828/immunopathogenesis-of-sexually-transmitted-infections-immune-regulation-immune-evasion-inflammation-and-emerging-interventions