The Alphavirus Trifecta: How Replication, Assembly, and Virus-Host Interactions Modulate Alphavirus Pathogenesis

Dear Colleagues,

Alphaviruses are responsible for diseases that range from arthritis to encephalitis, and have global distribution as both endemic and emerging pathogens. Despite the worldwide prevalence of alphaviruses, no approved therapeutics or vaccines for these infections are commercially available. Typically characterized as positive-strand RNA viruses that are transmitted to vertebrate hosts by arthropod vectors, alphaviruses that remain in an insect-restricted transmission cycle or that infect marine animals via horizontal transmission have been identified and continue to be discovered. Thus, the viral vectors, their hosts, and disease mechanisms for alphaviruses are continuously expanding. 

In this Special Issue of Pathogens, our overall goal is to bring together a body of research on different aspects of alphavirus biology, virulence, and pathogenesis. Traditionally, we have studied stages of a virus lifecycle as individual entities—replication factors or innate immunity antagonists or virion structure. It is becoming clear there are no distinct lines between these stages and a single viral protein often has multiple functions throughout the virus lifecycle and in different hosts. We want to learn about these multi-functional factors, and how they contribute to alphavirus replication, transmission, and pathogenesis. We encourage submissions from new investigators who are establishing their laboratories and research programs and mid-career investigators who are expanding their research programs. The questions being asked and approaches being used by the current generation include single-cell analysis, high-resolution microscopy, and interdisciplinary perspectives. These are essential to understand the mechanisms behind viral infections, pathogenesis, anti-viral treatments, and vaccine development. Having researchers who share common interests contribute to this Special issue of Pathogens will foster collaborations that make research more productive and enjoyable.

Prof. Dr. Tuli Mukhopadhyay
Prof. Dr. Tem Morrison
Guest Editors

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