Immunology is a key aspect of modern occupational medicine. Most currently known occupational diseases are mediated by immune responses, directly or indirectly linking work-related strains to their associated health effects. Scientific knowledge on the impact of novel and established occupational hazards, e.g. allergens, chemical, physical and infectious workplace agents, on immunological processes must be continuously expanded and updated. Beside the classical focus on immune-compromising workplace agents, modern occupational medicine must encompass arising factors relevant to occupational health and disease in a rapidly evolving working environment, such as the immunological effects of sedentary lifestyle and work-related stress. Interdisciplinary findings from complementary scientific fields, such as exercise physiology and psychoneuroimmunology, yield relevant insights for all levels of occupational disease prevention.
The main aim of this Research Topic is to highlight a wide range of occupational and work-related strains and describe their impact on and/or their interrelation with the human immune system (I. Work-related strains and stressors). In an emerging era of precision medicine, modern occupational medicine must further identify and consider factors influencing individual manifestation and susceptibility to immune mediated occupational diseases and encompass arising immunological stressors in an evolving professional world (II. Individual susceptibility factors). These insights are conductive to the deriving and updating of early diagnostic and preventive measures for occupational health and safety (III. Practical aspects and considerations).
Authors are invited to present up to date knowledge and original findings on the immunological impact of occupational hazards and/or other work-related strains and stressors from their respective fields of expertise. Systematic reviews and original papers presenting novel data on established or arising hazards as well as associated factors of individual susceptibility are encouraged. Experimental or interdisciplinary insights on immune modulation mediated by factors relevant to an occupational or workplace context are also welcome. Wherever feasible a practical significance for occupational health promotion and disease prevention should be highlighted. Original research and reviews are preferred, but all article types fulfilling the criteria of illuminating the interrelation between occupational/workplace aspects and the immune system will be considered.
Immunology is a key aspect of modern occupational medicine. Most currently known occupational diseases are mediated by immune responses, directly or indirectly linking work-related strains to their associated health effects. Scientific knowledge on the impact of novel and established occupational hazards, e.g. allergens, chemical, physical and infectious workplace agents, on immunological processes must be continuously expanded and updated. Beside the classical focus on immune-compromising workplace agents, modern occupational medicine must encompass arising factors relevant to occupational health and disease in a rapidly evolving working environment, such as the immunological effects of sedentary lifestyle and work-related stress. Interdisciplinary findings from complementary scientific fields, such as exercise physiology and psychoneuroimmunology, yield relevant insights for all levels of occupational disease prevention.
The main aim of this Research Topic is to highlight a wide range of occupational and work-related strains and describe their impact on and/or their interrelation with the human immune system (I. Work-related strains and stressors). In an emerging era of precision medicine, modern occupational medicine must further identify and consider factors influencing individual manifestation and susceptibility to immune mediated occupational diseases and encompass arising immunological stressors in an evolving professional world (II. Individual susceptibility factors). These insights are conductive to the deriving and updating of early diagnostic and preventive measures for occupational health and safety (III. Practical aspects and considerations).
Authors are invited to present up to date knowledge and original findings on the immunological impact of occupational hazards and/or other work-related strains and stressors from their respective fields of expertise. Systematic reviews and original papers presenting novel data on established or arising hazards as well as associated factors of individual susceptibility are encouraged. Experimental or interdisciplinary insights on immune modulation mediated by factors relevant to an occupational or workplace context are also welcome. Wherever feasible a practical significance for occupational health promotion and disease prevention should be highlighted. Original research and reviews are preferred, but all article types fulfilling the criteria of illuminating the interrelation between occupational/workplace aspects and the immune system will be considered.
