Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Host Interaction, Virulence and Resistance in Fungal Pathogens

Fungi are eukaryotic pathogens that induce a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations in both animals and humans, ranging from superficial to systemic. Existing in various morphological forms, including yeast, mold, yeast-like, and dimorphic fungi, most are opportunistic pathogens. Although mycoses primarily affect immunocompromised individuals, their incidence among immunocompetent individuals is also increasing. The changing climatic conditions, altered lifestyle, pollution, etc, contribute to the rising number of mycotic diseases across the globe. In addition, increased interaction with animals may contribute to zoonotic transmission of fungal pathogens, and vice versa. A minimal number of antifungal drugs are currently available commercially; however, antifungal resistance has been increasingly reported in many fungal pathogens. Fungal pathogens, unlike bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens, have not received much attention until the COVID-19 pandemic, when aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and candidemia emerged among the COVID-19-infected patients. In addition, compared to human medicine, studies on fungal pathogens in veterinary medicine are scarce. The emergence of antifungal-resistant pathogens, including Candida auris and Trichophyton indotineae, further emphasizes the need for deepened research in mycology. Though research on fungi has gained attention in the post-COVID era, studies on various aspects of many fungal pathogens remain limited. Detailed molecular-level studies of host-pathogen interactions, virulence, and resistance in many fungal pathogens are limited, and such advanced research will help us understand the fungal physiology and pathogenesis in depth, assisting in identifying suitable therapeutic targets and potential vaccine candidates. This Research Topic aims to address gaps in the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, virulence, antifungal resistance, biofilm formation, and immune evasion and molecular heterogeneity in various neglected fungal pathogens.We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Studies evaluating the various stages of fungal pathogenesis in animal models• Studies assessing the identification of resistant fungal pathogens and the underlying molecular mechanisms• Studies focusing on molecular epidemiology and heterogeneity among fungal pathogens• Identification of virulence factors and their role in fungal pathogenesis• Characterization of host and fungal proteins involved in the fungal pathogenesis• Identification of potential therapeutic targets and vaccine candidatesWe particularly encourage the submission of method, (mini) review, systematic review, opinion, and original research articles. Topic editors: Sourabh Dhingra, Giovanna Simonetti Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77502/unraveling-the-molecular-mechanism-of-host-interaction-virulence-and-resistance-in-fungal-pathogens