Exploration of Immunology is creating a special issue on the "Current immunological perspectives in SARS-CoV-2" to clarify critical immunological issues and bridge the gaps where there is a lack of understanding encompassing immune responses to the virus to vaccination. The topic is very keen in proving a wide-coverage and a much-needed understanding of immunology and immunopathology of SARS-CoV-2.

Editors of this special issue are interested in welcoming the submission of Original Research articles, short research reports covering novel findings, Reviews (both long and short), which include, but are not limited to:

• Correlates of immune protection during SARS-CoV-2

This is a broader category and the articles providing discussion on correlates of immune protection in unvaccinated individuals, vaccinated individuals and also in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 form the backbone of this section. In addition, articles providing factual discussion on cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, innate and adaptive immunity during the infection and also in vaccinated individuals will be ideal to unite the themes for a holistic understanding. 

• Development & Validation of SARS-CoV-2 immunological Screening for diagnostics 

We are looking for the consolidation of novel immunological testing strategies and diagnostic methods that have benefited the patients in detecting their immune responses during the pandemic and what more can be done in this area in addition to discussing the novel methods in the pipeline. A focused discussion on new technologies is highly welcome.

• Immunopathology of SARS-CoV-2

This section will welcome articles that highlight and discuss critical issues in pathology with a wider coverage on lung pathology, heart pathology, neuropathology, in addition to immunopathology and its role in mild, moderate and severe disease with SARS-CoV-2. Immune evasion will be one of the most welcome addition to the topic.

• Genomic basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune evasion from vaccine responses 

There is a paucity of information in this area of research and it will be ideal if a genomic basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be summarized with what is currently known, in addition to highlighting immune evasion as a result of viral mutations and their implications in disease pathogenesis and vaccine efficacy. 

• Therapeutics and Vaccine Studies 

Here, in this section, it is expected to cover the vaccine strategies utilized in immunization against SARS-CoV-2 infection and the outcomes with these diverse vaccines. Also, it is expected to highlight novel vaccines with improved design for the future.

Keywords: COVID-19 immunology, immunopathology, genomics of SARS-CoV-2, vaccines, cellular immune responses, diagnostic technologies for SARS-CoV-2