Abstract
In addition to documenting new scientific knowledge, a key role of scientific journals is to foster communication between scientists. Letters to the editor are a crucial vehicle for discourse and debate on cutting-edge research issues. In this light, I am proud that Viral Immunology regularly publishes scientific discussions on important points on the host response to viral infection. This month's issue of Viral Immunology is no exception with the publication of a letter and response to an article by Azevedo and colleagues on an association between the presence of a polymorphism in the indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase gene and an increased risk for severe disease caused by the dengue virus. This important discussion highlights the importance of host genetics to dengue virus pathophysiology.
Other articles in this issue of Viral Immunology focus on different aspects of the host response to viral infection. Xv and colleagues note the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has not been widely used in developing countries because of its high cost and multiple subtype restrictions. To address this issue, the authors have developed a Pichia pastoris-based vaccine using the late protein 1 (L1) from the HPV16 subtype as the target antigen. Their data indicate that this vaccine is highly effective at inducing anti-HPV16L1 antibodies. Perdomo-Celis et al. have analyzed the induction of follicular-like CD8+ T cells during HIV infection. The authors explored the in vitro effect of various cytokines on the induction of CXCR5, the follicle homing receptor, and showed that in HIV-infected patients there is a limited response that could impair the generation of these important cells. Boosting the CXCR5+ CD8+ T cell response could be an important strategy to improve HIV control.
Finally, two articles in the current issue of Viral Immunology address the seroprevalence of two clinically important viruses, hepatitis E virus and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Jupattanasin and colleagues undertook a serosurvey to determine the prevalence of infections among Thai adults. The authors report different incidence rates in distinct demographic populations. Mhandire et al. investigated the seroprevalence of CMV infection and risk factors associated with CMV acquisition among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. The authors show that the CMV seroprevalence was not associated with the HIV status of the women.
I thank all of the authors for their excellent contributions to the Journal and all of the reviewers who work to ensure high quality of the articles published.