The role of regulatory T cells in the immune response to viral infection

The study of regulatory T (Treg) cells in immunology has revealed their fundamental importance in shaping immune responses during viral infections. Treg cells ensure immune homeostasis by suppressing excessive inflammation and preventing tissue damage, thus orchestrating a fine balance between pathogen clearance and immunopathology. Despite increasing insights from recent investigations, pressing questions remain about how Treg cells modulate viral persistence, the variation in their function across different viral contexts and hosts, and their roles in mediating disease severity. Notable studies have advanced our appreciation of Treg cell heterogeneity, recruitment, and function in acute and chronic viral infections, yet there is ongoing debate regarding their protective versus pathogenic roles. Current evidence highlights intricate cellular and molecular interactions, as well as context-dependent effects that vary with virus type, infection stage, and tissue environment. However, deeper mechanistic understanding is still needed to inform novel immunotherapeutic strategies.This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of the complex and multifaceted roles that regulatory T (Treg) cells play during viral infections, addressing fundamental questions about immune regulation, viral persistence, and immunopathogenesis. It will seek to elucidate the mechanisms by which Treg cells shape the immune landscape in the context of viral infection, clarify the factors influencing their function and fate during disease, and define the consequences of these processes on host immunity, disease progression, and tissue preservation.This Research Topic will focus on mechanistic, translational, and clinical studies that define the roles and regulation of Treg cells in the context of viral infectious diseases, excluding work unrelated to viral pathogens or non-immunoregulatory processes.To gather further insights into the pivotal roles of Treg cells, we welcome the submission of numerous article types, including, but not limited to, original research, review, mini review, and perspective articles addressing the following themes:o Mechanistic understanding of Treg function in the context of viral diseaseso Virus-specific Treg dynamics and plasticityo Relationship between Tregs and disease severity or outcomeo The impact of Treg cells on viral persistence and clearanceo Therapeutic approaches targeting Treg modulation in viral infectionso Interactions between Treg cells and other immune cell populations during infectionTopic Editor Dr. Andreu Comas-Garcia has previously acted as a speaker for Astra Zeneca. Topic editors: Andreu Comas-Garcia, Joseph Larkin Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78525/the-role-of-regulatory-t-cells-in-the-immune-response-to-viral-infection