The field of virology has gained significant momentum over the past few decades, driven by the global rise in emerging and re-emerging viral infectious diseases. Recent developments in molecular biology, multi-omics technologies, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics have significantly enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms of viral replication, pathogenesis, and the intricacies of virus–host interactions. These advances continue to open new avenues for antiviral development and vaccine design. By promoting interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations, virology research is well-positioned to uncover the fundamental principles and determinants underlying viral success and evolution, and to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Persistent and latent viral infections, such as those caused by HIV and herpesviruses, present a continuing challenge due to their ability to evade immune responses and establish long-term reservoirs. Additionally, the rapid genetic evolution of viruses and the emergence of resistance to existing antivirals highlight the need for sustained innovation in treatment strategies and vigilant molecular surveillance.
In support of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being), BMC Microbiology launches the Collection Current challenges and future directions in virology. This Collection aims to bring together research on virology, seeking to highlight current and future challenges of the field, with the goal of advancing our ability to study viruses and control viral infectious diseases. We welcome submissions addressing all aspects of virology, including virus–host cell interactions, viral transmission, antiviral interventions, and the role of environmental factors in viral ecology. Manuscripts without a clear focus on viruses or virus-cell host interactions will not be considered. We invite researchers and experts in the field to submit research articles covering a broad range of topics, including, but not limited to:
- Molecular mechanisms of viral infection and virus-host cell interactions
- Virus-host cell metabolism interactions during infection
- Innate immune response mechanisms to viral pathogens
- Mechanisms of immune evasion by viruses
- Direct-acting antivirals and host-directed antiviral therapeutic approaches
- Viral proteins in pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets
- Pathways of viral replication and infection relevant to drug discovery
- Immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at enhancing innate and trained immunity
- Innovations in molecular diagnostics for virus detection
- Environmental virology and virus ecology, including the influence of environmental factors on viral transmission and emerging viral diseases
- Development of pan-viral or broadly protective vaccines targeting multiple virus families
- Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in viral detection, antivirals and vaccine development, and surveillance
- Personalized virology and precision medicine approaches based on host genetics and immune profiling.
- Drug repurposing for emerging viruses: role of computational pharmacology
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Image credit: © NANOCLUSTERING/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Science Photo Library/Getty Images
