Molecular Mechanisms of AHPND: From Pathogen Virulence to Host Immunity
A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry and Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 58
Special Issue Editor
Interests: pathogenesis; vibrios; diseases; aquatic organisms; bacteriophages; probiotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) has emerged as one of the most devastating bacterial diseases affecting shrimp aquaculture, resulting in substantial economic losses worldwide. Since its initial identification in specific strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus that carry the pirAB-like toxin genes, which code for the potent binary PirAB toxin, the primary virulence factor, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of its pathogenicity. However, the complexity of host–pathogen interactions, the degree of virulence among Vibrio species, and the intricate immune responses of crustacean hosts continue to present major scientific challenges.
This Special Issue, “Molecular Mechanisms of AHPND: From Pathogen Virulence to Host Immunity,” aims to provide a comprehensive platform to explore the latest advances in molecular microbiology, immunology, and pathogenesis related to AHPND. We particularly welcome studies addressing, but are not limited to, the secretion mechanisms, host receptors, inhibitors, and mimetic molecules of PirAB toxins and other virulence factors, as well as research on host immune signaling pathways, microbiome interactions, and innovative diagnostic or control strategies. Integrative approaches combining omics technologies are strongly encouraged to elucidate the complex molecular networks underlying disease outcomes.
By gathering cutting-edge research and perspectives from diverse scientific fields, this Special Issue aims to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AHPND pathogenesis and host defense. The insights gained will not only contribute to fundamental knowledge of this challenging disease but also foster the development of novel prevention and mitigation strategies, supporting the sustainability and resilience of global shrimp aquaculture.
Dr. Sonia A. Soto-Rodriguez
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- AHPND
- Vibrio
- pathogenesis
- host immunity
- shrimp disease
- aquaculture
- virulence mechanisms
- omics
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
