Collection 

Molecular determinants of intracellular infection

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Open
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Intracellular parasites and bacteria deploy an array of molecular tactics to invade host cells. Once inside, these pathogens subvert and co-opt host resources for survival and reproduction. Stealthy disguises help pathogens evade the immune response, and effector molecules enable a safe refuge for them to thrive. Equally, host cells defend, eliciting an arms race and intriguing battle involving a complex interplay of pathogen-host factors that shape the outcome of an infection. Unravelling such molecular determinants of intracellular infection promises a roadmap for developing novel therapeutics while illuminating the remarkable adaptability of life and the struggle for dominance at the tiniest scales.

For this Collection, we welcome any submissions focusing on pathogen-host biology and involving intracellular bacteria and parasites. Original research Articles characterising and validating molecular factors essential for pathogen growth in vitro and in vivo are welcome. In addition, we will also consider Reviews, Perspectives and Comments covering these topics. All submissions will be processed as regular Communications Biology Articles.

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Colour-rendered Scanning Electron Micrograph of T. gondii Tachyzoites Egressing from Human Host Cells.

Editors

The Collection will publish original research Articles, Reviews, Perspectives and Comments (full details on content types can be found here). Papers will be published in Communications Biology as soon as they are accepted and then collected together and promoted on the Collection homepage. All Guest Edited Collections are associated with a call for papers and are managed by one or more of our Editorial Board Members and the journal's Editors.

This Collection welcomes submissions from all authors – and not by invitation only – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Communications Biology more generally. See our editorial process page for more details.

All submissions are subject to the same peer review process and editorial standards as regular Communications Biology articles, including the journal’s policy on competing interests. The Guest Editors have no competing interests with the submissions, which they handle through the peer-review process. The peer review of any submissions for which the Guest Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests. See our Collections guidelines for more details. 

This Collection is not supported by sponsorship.