In recognizing the exceptional efforts of our reviewers in 2024, we express our sincere gratitude for upholding the high standards of Publications.    Their commitment ensured the rigorous peer review that is integral to quality academic publishing. In 2024, Publications received 150 review reports, from 125 reviewers. This past year, we worked with reviewers from 25 countries and regions, reflecting the diversity in our collaboration with research communities.  Their dedication shapes scholarly discourse and advances global research.  The editorial team expresses gratitude for the vital role played by each reviewer in the Publications family throughout 2024, and we look forward to their continued support in 2025.

We are thrilled to welcome Prof. Dr. Antonio Arnaiz-Villena as the new Editor-in-Chief of Microbes & Immunity. Dr. Arnaiz-Villena is a distinguished Spanish immunologist, geneticist, and medical researcher, serving as the Founder and Full Professor of the Department of Immunology at Universidad Complutense of Madrid.  His groundbreaking research focuses on immunogenetics and human genetic diversity, particularly on the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) system. His work spans medical immunology, genetic diversity, and their implications for human health, disease, and evolution. With over 400 publications in international academic journals, Dr. Arnaiz-Villena has made significant contributions to understanding the structure and function of HLA genes, the genetic mechanisms behind immune system disorders such as autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection, and the genetic diversity of human populations. His research is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating immunology, genetics, and anthropology. His highly cited work has advanced knowledge of HLA genes' critical roles in disease susceptibility, transplant compatibility, and immune response. Dr. Arnaiz-Villena has led and participated in numerous international research projects in genetics, immunology, and medical applications, supported by global organizations and government agencies. He collaborates closely with multinational research teams, and his findings have not only driven advancements in medical immunology but also provided a deeper scientific understanding of the genetic structures of human populations. Prof. Dr. Antonio Arnaiz-Villena's exceptional academic achievements and leadership in immunogenetics and human genetics make him an outstanding addition to Microbes & Immunity. We look forward to his guidance in driving the journal to new heights and celebrating many future milestones under his leadership. Welcome aboard, Prof. Dr. Arnaiz-Villena!

Cover Story (view full paper): The strategic induction of cell death serves as a crucial immune defense mechanism for the eradication of pathogen infections within host cells. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying immunogenic cell pathways has significantly enhanced our understanding of the host’s immunity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the immunogenic cell death mechanisms triggered by pathogen infections, focusing on the critical role of pattern recognition receptors. In response to infections, host cells dictate a variety of cell death pathways, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necrosis, and lysosomal cell death, which are essential for amplifying immune responses and controlling pathogen dissemination. Key components of these mechanisms are host cellular receptors that recognize pathogen-associated ligands. These receptors activate downstream signaling cascades, leading to the expression of immunoregulatory genes and the production of antimicrobial cytokines and chemokines. Particularly, the inflammasome, a multi-protein complex, plays a pivotal role in these responses by processing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing pyroptotic cell death. Pathogens, in turn, have evolved strategies to manipulate these cell death pathways, either by inhibiting them to facilitate their replication or by triggering them to evade host defenses. A deeper understanding of immunogenic cell death is crucial for developing novel immunotherapies, advancing infectious disease and cancer treatment, and revealing the complex interactions between dying cells and the immune system. This review aims to provide systematic summarization as well as recent proceedings regarding the dynamic interplay between host immune mechanisms and pathogen strategies, highlighting the intricate co-evolution of microbial virulence and host immunity.

Microbes & Immunity is a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of the interactions between microbes and the immune system. The journal provides an open access publishing platform for researchers, clinicians, and scientists to disseminate their original research, reviews, and perspectives related to various aspects of microbes and immunity. The journal aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in the fields of microbiology, immunology, infectious diseases, and related disciplines. The scope of the Journal of Microbes & Immunity encompasses a broad range of topics within the field of microbial immunology, including but not limited to: Host-Microbe Interactions: Studies investigating the complex interactions between microbes and the host immune system, including mechanisms of immune recognition, signaling pathways, and modulation of immune responses. Microbial Pathogenesis: Research focusing on the molecular and cellular mechanisms employed by pathogenic microbes to invade, colonize, and cause diseases in hosts. This includes studies on virulence factors, host immune evasion strategies, and mechanisms of microbial persistence. Immunomodulation by Microbes: Investigations into the role of microbes in modulating immune responses, including the influence of the microbiota on immune development, immune homeostasis, and susceptibility to infections and immune-mediated disorders. Microbiome and Immunity: Research exploring the composition, diversity, and functional roles of microbial communities (microbiomes) in relation to host immune system development, maintenance, and dysregulation. This includes studies on the gut, skin, respiratory, and other microbiomes. Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics: Studies focused on the development and evaluation of vaccines, immunotherapies, and other interventions targeting microbial pathogens or utilizing microbial components to enhance immune responses. This includes preclinical and clinical research, as well as vaccine adjuvants and delivery systems. Host Defense Mechanisms: Investigations into the innate and adaptive immune responses against microbial infections, including the role of immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, antibodies, and other immune effectors. This encompasses studies on antimicrobial peptides, phagocytosis, cellular immunity, and immune memory. Microbial Genomics and Proteomics: Research utilizing genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches to understand the genetic and molecular characteristics of microbes and their interactions with the host immune system. This includes studies on microbial virulence factors, drug resistance, and microbial evolution. Diagnostic Methods and Technologies: Development and evaluation of novel diagnostic methods, tools, and technologies for the detection, identification, and characterization of microbial pathogens, as well as immune biomarkers and immune profiling techniques. Honorary Editor-in-Chief Prof. George Fu Gao Dean of Cunji Medical College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Director of CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China Editors-in-Chief Prof. Yigang Tong College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China We welcome researchers and scholars in the related fields to submit manuscripts to MI. MI upholds high publishing standards and adheres to rigorous peer review prior to acceptance. Potential authors are encouraged to make submissions through online submission system： http://journals.accscience.com/index.php/MI/login If you have any question about submissions and publications, please contact the Editorial Office at mi.office@accscience.sg.  Warm Regards,Editorial OfficeMicrobes & Immunity  AccScience Publishing mi.office@accscience.sg  

Microbes & Immunity [MI] publishes rigorously peer-reviewed and high-quality original research articles and authoritative reviews that focus on microbiology, immunology, infectious diseases, and related disciplines. Now we are currently looking for Editorial Board Members for our journal. This is an opportunity to exchange with and learn from experts in the same field. As you may know, MI is an international, double-blind peer-reviewed, quick-refereeing open-access journal. The journal was launched in July, 2023 by cooperating with Beijing University of Chemical Technology by Singapore AccScience Publishing (ASP, https://accscience.com/). We have already established a very good Editorial Board: https://www.accscience.com/journal/MI/about/editorial_board  We encourage applications from researchers with a background in a range of subject areas (https://www.accscience.com/journal/MI/about/aims_scope). If you are passionate about participating in cutting-edge research publications, please do not hesitate to contact us about joining the board and contributing to the journal. This position is open to experts in all aspects of microbiology and immunology research. To apply for this position, recommend potential candidates or request further information, please contact (mi.office@accscience.sg) from the Microbes & Immunity Editorial Office.   Welcome to join us! Microbes & Immunity Editorial Office