Cell Host & Microbe

Cell Host & Microbe is a premier peer-reviewed journal published by Cell Press, dedicated to advancing the understanding of the intricate relationships between microbial pathogens and their hosts, including humans, animals, and plants. The journal’s scope encompasses the full spectrum of host-microbe interactions, from molecular and cellular mechanisms to systemic immune responses, microbiome dynamics, and translational applications. Core topics include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogenesis; host immune evasion and defense strategies; microbial ecology and evolution; and the role of the microbiota in health and disease. The journal primarily publishes original research articles, complemented by authoritative reviews, commentaries, and meeting reports that synthesize emerging concepts and critical debates in the field. Its target audience comprises microbiologists, immunologists, infectious disease researchers, clinicians, and biomedical scientists seeking high-impact, cutting-edge findings. Notably, Cell Host & Microbe does not operate as an open access journal by default but offers authors the option to publish their work open access under a Creative Commons license. With an exceptional 2026 Impact Factor of 23.200 and consistently ranked in the JCR Q1 quartile, the journal stands among the most influential and rigorously selective titles in microbiology and infectious diseases. It is widely recognized for publishing landmark studies that define new paradigms in host-pathogen biology, making it an essential resource for researchers at the forefront of the field.