Viral Immunology in an Unequal World: Bridging Disparities from Mechanisms to Populations

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 112

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan 215316, China
Interests: adaptive immune response; IgG class switching; epitope identification; virus-host interaction; biomarker identification; immunotherapy development; epitope-specific antibodies; vaccine candidates; infectious diseases
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue addresses a critical gap in our understanding of viral immunology by focusing specifically on the contexts of Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). While the fundamental principles of host–pathogen interactions are universal, the landscape of viral infection, immune response, and disease outcomes is profoundly shaped by local factors that are often underrepresented in mainstream research. These include endemic pathogen diversity, co-infections, nutritional status, environmental exposures, genetic backgrounds, and inequitable access to healthcare and vaccines.

We seek to publish high-impact research and review articles that illuminate the unique immunological challenges and adaptations within LMIC populations. The scope ranges from basic and translational science, exploring viral pathogenesis, immune correlates of protection, and novel therapeutic or vaccine strategies suited for resource-limited settings, to applied public health research examining implementation barriers and policy frameworks.

Our goal is to forge a more equitable path forward in viral immunology. By bridging the disconnect between molecular mechanisms and population-level health, this issue aims to catalyse scientific innovation and advocate for solutions that are not only biologically effective but also globally accessible and just. We welcome submissions that contribute to a holistic understanding of viral immunity and pave the way toward true global health equity.

Dr. Yiu Wing (Jason) Kam
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. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • viral immunology
  • global health equity
  • low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
  • host–pathogen interactions
  • health disparities

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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