The field of virology has gained significant momentum over the past few decades, driven by the global rise in emerging and re-emerging viral infectious diseases. Recent developments in molecular biology, multi-omics technologies, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics have significantly enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms of viral replication, pathogenesis, and the intricacies of virus–host interactions. These advances continue to open new avenues for antiviral development and vaccine design. By promoting interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations, virology research is well-positioned to uncover the fundamental principles and determinants underlying viral success and evolution, and to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Persistent and latent viral infections, such as those caused by HIV and herpesviruses, present a continuing challenge due to their ability to evade immune responses and establish long-term reservoirs. Additionally, the rapid genetic evolution of viruses and the emergence of resistance to existing antivirals highlight the need for sustained innovation in treatment strategies and vigilant molecular surveillance.

In support of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being), BMC Microbiology launches the Collection ‘Current challenges and future directions in virology’. This Collection aims to bring together research on virology, seeking to highlight current and future challenges of the field, with the goal of advancing our ability to study viruses and control viral infectious diseases. We welcome submissions addressing all aspects of virology, including virus–host cell interactions, viral transmission, antiviral interventions, and the role of environmental factors in viral ecology. Manuscripts without a clear focus on viruses or virus-cell host interactions will not be considered. We invite researchers and experts in the field to submit research articles covering a broad range of topics including, but not limited to:

Molecular mechanisms of viral infection and virus-host cell interactions

Virus-host cell metabolism interactions during infection

Innate immune response mechanisms to viral pathogens

Mechanisms of immune evasion by viruses

Direct-acting antivirals and host-directed antiviral therapeutic approaches

Viral proteins in pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets

Pathways of viral replication and infection relevant to drug discovery

Immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at enhancing innate and trained immunity

Innovations in molecular diagnostics for virus detection

Environmental virology and virus ecology, including the influence of environmental factors on viral transmission and emerging viral diseases

Development of pan-viral or broadly protective vaccines targeting multiple virus families

Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in viral detection, antivirals and vaccine development, and surveillance

Personalized virology and precision medicine approaches based on host genetics and immune profiling

Drug repurposing for emerging viruses: role of computational pharmacology

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

The microbial communities (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses) that inhabit human-built environments are diverse, dynamic and complex, and they play a significant role in human health and wellbeing. From indoor air quality to the surfaces and building materials we touch daily, we interact with a range of microbes that come from a variety of sources such as other humans, pets, plants, pests, and other outdoor sources. Investigating and understanding these interactions require interdisciplinary approaches that integrate microbiology, ecology, and engineering principles, among other disciplines. As our understanding of microbial dynamics within built environments advances, it becomes increasingly clear that built-environment microbes and microbiomes can strongly affect human health, either positively or negatively.

Recent research has highlighted the potential importance of indoor microbial diversity in influencing human health (e.g. respiratory health, allergies, and the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms, particularly in healthcare settings). Innovations in monitoring and modelling microbial communities are opening new avenues for designing healthier indoor environments and mitigating risks from unwanted microbial exposures. Ongoing research in the field has the potential to yield novel insights into how these microbes respond metabolically to certain stressors and how we can leverage that knowledge. Additionally, a better understanding of microbe-host interactions could aid in developing novel approaches in building design and public health initiatives. Adaptive antimicrobial methods based on real-world conditions (such as occupancy, ventilation, and microbial indicators) offer a promising pathway to control microbial risks while minimizing unintended impacts.

In support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being), BMC Microbiology launches the Collection Microbes in built environments. This Collection invites research articles that contribute to the understanding of microbes and microbiomes in human-built environments, encompassing microbial ecology, diversity, metabolism, and their implications for human health. Submissions are welcome on topics ranging from indoor microbial communities to the impact of design on microbe-host interactions in the built environment. Research without a clear focus on microorganisms, microbial communities, or microbiomes in built environments will not be considered. We invite researchers and experts in the field to submit research articles covering a broad range of topics, including, but not limited to:

• Interactions between microorganisms/viruses and hosts in built environments
• Microbial physiology, metabolism, adaptation and diversity of the built environment
• Impact of microbes in the built environment on human health and diseases
• Antimicrobial resistance of the built environment
• Holistic pathogen defence in the built environment
• Microbial ecology of the built environment
• Microbial adaptation and evolution in response to anthropogenic disturbances in built environments
• Viruses in the built environment
• Food surfaces and disinfection in the built environment
• Role of indoor air quality, ventilation and HVAC systems in microbial community dynamics
• Impact of surface and building materials on microbial colonisation
• Bioremediation and microbial management in built environments
• Interventions to promote/discourage microbial exposures in built environments
• Environmental monitoring methods of microbes in built environments
• Adaptive antimicrobial strategies in built environments

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.