PLOS Pathogens is a community-driven and Open Access journal publishing ground-breaking work that significantly advances our understanding of pathogen biology. We welcome submissions in fundamental discovery, translational or applied research, encompassing all life forms.

We publish outstanding original research covering the full breadth of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and prions, as well as co-infections and microbial communities. Topics can include, but are not limited to: pathogenesis, pathogen replication, host-pathogen interactions, genomics and gene regulation, cell biology of infection, structural biology, immune responses, transmission, reservoirs, emerging pathogens, evolution, pathogens and the microbiome, pathogen-associated cancers, diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutics and drug resistance, and vaccines.

We publish commissioned Reviews, Pearls, Opinions, and Editorials, and welcome Short Reports and primary Research Article submissions including laboratory, clinical or field studies. Submissions that report computational analysis or resources along with experimental validation and meet the journal’s criteria for advance, utility, validation, and availability, will also be considered.