Immunology and Cell Biology

Infectious Diseases & Host–Pathogen Interactions

This topic examines how pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites interact with host immune defenses. Understanding host–pathogen interactions is essential for controlling infectious diseases, emerging outbreaks, and antimicrobial resistance. Research focuses on pathogen immune evasion strategies, host sensing mechanisms, and molecular pathways that regulate inflammation and immunity. Advances in genomics, structural biology, and single-cell analysis are shedding light on pathogen evolution, antigenic variation, and cellular tropism. Host factors—including genetics, microbiome composition, and immune memory—significantly influence disease severity and outcomes. This area also explores mechanisms of chronic infection, persistent inflammation, and immune exhaustion. Findings contribute to vaccine design, antiviral and antibacterial therapies, and predictive models of infection dynamics. Integrating pathogen biology with host immunity provides tools for developing more effective prevention and treatment strategies.