Special Feature: New Paradigms in Host-Pathogen Interaction

There are increasing threats with a variety of virulent pathogens causing emerging, and re-emerging infectious diseases worldwide. Understanding the host defensive mechanisms and pathogenic strategies is essential for identifying novel strategies to combat and restrain the spread of infection. Recently, paradigms are shifting in terms of host-microbial interaction. The traditional concepts of host-pathogen interaction are being expanded into new insights on various areas including preclinical and clinical application to non-infectious diseases. In this special issue of host-pathogen interaction, we invited seven review articles highlighting the recent advances in host immune protective mechanisms and microbial pathogenesis during viral, mycobacterial, and parasitic infections, and the importance of gut microbiota in human health and diseases. This issue also covers the recent trial of microbial utilization for anticancer strategies. We hope that the basic and applied research in the host-pathogen interaction will promote intensive discussion and networking in the community.