January 26, 2026
01/07/2026
research article
Human-to-human influenza virus transmission under controlled conditions could provide insights leading to better control of epidemics and pandemics. However, a previous study using laboratory adapted viruses produced minimal transmission.
Image credit: NIAID
Current Issue December 2025
01/20/2026
research article
During herpes simplex virus type 1 infection, the nuclear structures undergo drastic reorganization, but little is known about how nuclear mechanobiology changes as a result. We show that the nucleus softens dramatically during the infection. To understand the phenomenon, the authors used advanced microscopy and computational modeling, discovering that the enlarged viral replication compartment had a low biomolecular density
Image credit: Tervonen et al
01/20/2026
research article
The authors wanted to understand why P. aeruginosa becomes so aggressive in burn wounds. Their research shows that burn injuries release oleic acid, a fatty acid normally stored in tissues, which the bacteria senses.
Image credit: Milad Fakurian
10/27/2025
pearls
This article reviews how Orthoflaviviruses such as dengue, Zika and West Nile infect mosquito midguts, focusing on early molecular events that shape vector competence. The authors discuss candidate viral receptors, midgut cell-type specificity, the infection-enhancing role of NS1, and Wolbachia-mediated inhibition.
Image credit: ppat.1013617
11/11/2025
research article
This study shows that dengue virus NS1, whether recombinant or secreted from infected cells, does not activate TLR4 and has only a modest effect on endothelial monolayer integrity. The authors find that TNF from infected macrophages, not NS1, is the main factor disrupting endothelial barriers, supporting a key role for TNF...
Image credit: ppat.1013695
10/23/2025
research article
Here, the authors show that all nine Cryptosporidium oocyst wall proteins (COWPs) are true wall components, with COWPs 2-4 marking the suture where sporozoites emerge. COWP6 and COWP8 are expressed in female parasites within wall-forming bodies. Parasites lacking cowp8 form normal, infectious oocysts with...
Image credit: ppat.1013561
10/23/2025
research article
The authors identify Beauveria bassiana polymycovirus 4-2 (BbPmV4-2), which boosts spore production, stress...
Image credit: ppat.1013634
10/30/2025
review
This review discusses how hosts, gut microbes, and pathogens compete for the essential metals iron, zinc, manganese and copper. It highlights host nutritional immunity and bacterial...
Image credit: ppat.1013580
10/22/2025
research article
The authors identify Morganella morganii as a virulent bacterium transmitted between honeybees and Varroa destructor mites. As few as 215 cells cause over 30% mortality in pupae and adults.
Image credit: ppat.1013613
10/22/2025
research article
This article shows that ASFV pB318L blocks NFκB and NLRP3 by binding NEMO and NLRP3 to suppress inflammation.
Image credit: ppat.1013558
Brittany Seibert, C. Joaquín Cáceres, and colleagues
Qi-Yue Yang, Yong-Le Yang, and colleagues
Frideborg Bradley and colleagues
Jodie A. Schiffer & Stephanie V. Stumbur and colleagues
B. Karina Montero and colleagues
We are pleased to announce that Sumita Bhaduri-McIntosh joined us as second Editor-in-Chief at the beginning of 2025. With this addition, we are thrilled to once again have a dynamic dual leadership team guiding the journal.
We're excited about our revised and synchronized Editorial Board webpage—now enhanced with a brand-new search functionality!
Easily find and explore board members with our improved layout and seamless navigation.
We've been thrilled to welcome:
Helena Boshoff, Thomas Guillard, Thomas Hoenen, Francis Jiggins, Robert Kalejta, Tracey Lamb, Edward Mitre, and Alice Prince!
PLOS will always anchor our decisions in our values and our principles. And we will continue to speak up vocally for open, independent science.
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