Respiratory Viral Infections in Chronic Lung Disease: Immune Mechanisms and Therapeutic Frontiers

Respiratory medicine has increasingly recognized the critical influence of respiratory viral infections on the development and exacerbation of chronic pulmonary diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Accumulating evidence links acute and recurrent viral exposures, especially early in life, to the disruption of airway epithelial barriers and dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. These pathological events trigger persistent airway inflammation, periodic disease exacerbations, and long-term structural changes, including airway wall thickening and mucus hypersecretion, which collectively impact disease course and patient quality of life. Despite notable advances in virology and immunology, many gaps remain in delineating the specific immune pathways governing virus-induced disease progression, the role of early-life infections in shaping immune trajectories, and the identification of effective interventions. There is a continued need to integrate clinical and experimental findings, and to address the complex interplay between viral factors, immune dysfunction, and environmental exposures that predispose individuals to lifelong respiratory morbidity.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of how respiratory viruses drive chronic pulmonary diseases through immune dysregulation, with particular emphasis on asthma and COPD. We seek contributions that unravel the mechanisms by which viruses perturb the airway microenvironment, disrupt immune regulation, and facilitate both disease initiation and recurrent exacerbations. This includes original research and reviews focused on early-life determinants of immune programming, identification of molecular and cellular biomarkers of progression, as well as novel translational and therapeutic strategies. By highlighting both basic and clinical advances, the Research Topic aspires to foster the development of innovative prevention and treatment approaches to alleviate the burden of chronic respiratory disease, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children.Submissions for this Research Topic should broadly address respiratory viral infections and their immunopathogenic roles in chronic lung diseases, with special focus on mechanisms, early exposures, and therapies. We encourage research spanning experimental, clinical, and public health perspectives, but do not require pre-assigned authors or manuscript titles. Manuscript types may include original research articles, reviews, brief research reports, perspectives, and case studies. To gather further insights in respiratory viral immunopathogenesis and therapeutic development, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Virus–host interactions driving airway injury and chronic diseaseo Mechanisms of immune dysfunction and inflammatory pathways in asthma and COPD exacerbationso Impact of prenatal and postnatal viral exposures, allergens, and pollutants on lung developmento Molecular and cellular determinants, including biomarkers and epigenetic changes, underlying persistent inflammation and airway remodelingo Translational and innovative therapeutics for preventing or treating chronic lung diseaseo Preventive, public health, and vaccination strategies to reduce the respiratory viral disease burdenPlease note that Dr. Wataru Sugiura occasionally serves as a vaccine advisor to Takeda Pharma.Please note that Dr. Mari Numata-Nakamura is a co-inventor on several patents owned by NJH and licensed to Celestial Therapeutics Inc.Please note that Dr. James E. Gern serves on the scientific advisory boards of Gilead Sciences and Altesa Biosciences and is an inventor on patents related to rhinovirus production methods. Topic editors: Mari Numata-Nakamura, James Gern, Stokes Peebles, Wataru Sugiura Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80133/respiratory-viral-infections-in-chronic-lung-disease-immune-mechanisms-and-therapeutic-frontiers