About this Research Topic
Cell mediated immunity (CMI) confers T cell responses in association with antigen presenting cells (APCs) to manifest adaptive immunity. Initially reported as a group of innate immune pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), Toll Like Receptors (TLRs) are now well-known modulators of APC function and in turn, regulate T cell responses, indirectly. Currently, the research trend in the field aims to investigate the possible involvement of T cell receptor (TCR) engagement and activation/effector function in the context of CMI. This is particularly relevant with regards to the recent evidence of TLR expression on T cells, including T regulatory cells (Treg) and the functional consequences in association with APC function for a productive CMI. Waves of CMI activation are observed in response to infections, or in conditions of tumor immunity and autoimmunity. Effective vaccine strategies have been proposed towards critical requirements of host protective CMI in infections and cancer. However, recent approaches of CMI associated vaccines for autoimmune diseases suggest suppressing the pathogenic effector T cell responses could be beneficial.
In the light of these findings, a critical understanding of CMI responses in terms of adaptive and innate immuno-regulatory pathways is of crucial importance to improve vaccine strategies associated to T cell responses, with a particular focus on functional TLR responses. Moreover, the role of T cell effector and regulatory functions in association with TLR expression needs further investigation in the light of their use as possible immunotherapeutic approaches and vaccine strategies.
In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of Original Research, Review and Mini Review articles focusing on basic and translational research covering, but not limited to, the following subtopics:
1. Role of TLR in effector T cell responses
2. Involvement of TLR in modulating immune-regulatory T cells (Tregs) function
3. The role of TLR responses in the regulation of CMI response in infections, cancer and autoimmune diseases
4. The role of TLRs in affecting APCs and their downstream effects on effector and regulatory T cells
Keywords: TLR, Treg, APC, cell mediated immunity, T cell response
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
