Infectious disease biology

The COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of antimicrobial-resistant strains of major pathogens have renewed scientific and public interest in understanding infectious diseases and developing effective therapies to combat them. Although model systems have been crucial, this research faces ongoing challenges. This collection, launched to celebrate the DMM Journal Meeting ‘Infectious Diseases Through an Evolutionary Lens’, seeks contribute to the ongoing conversation between basic scientists, clinical researchers and clinicians. By highlighting rigorous, high-quality science in these areas, we hope to improve our understanding of infectious diseases and new treatment approaches. EM image of septin proteins building cages (red) to entrap bacteria (blue) that invade human cells, courtesy of Serge Mostowy (https://themostowylab.org/).