Neuro-degenerative diseases (NDD) comprise a heterogeneous group of chronic disorders of the nervous system affecting central and peripheral neural tissue. Although the NDD clinical presentations vary significantly, inflammation and immune reactivity to self-proteins have been shown to play central role in pathogenesis of these diseases. Understanding mechanisms of pathogenesis of each NDD may help to advance the search for effective therapeutics. It is believed that immune mechanisms such as inflammation, autoreactivity and neurotoxicity play central role in pathogenesis of NDD. As the result, the progressive neuronal loss due to immune reactivity and inflammation clinically manifests various cognitive, motor and/or other dysfunctions.
Despite extensive research efforts, little is known about immune mechanisms of NDD pathogenesis and there is still lack of the reliable early diagnostics or effective therapeutics for NDDs. While basic research and clinical data on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of NDD continues to mount, the current treatment options still offer only supportive but not curative measures. Clearly, understanding the immune-related NDD pathogenesis will provide a foundation for establishing innovative methods of early diagnosis, prevention and therapy. The purpose of this special topic is to compile the most recent advances in the field, with a view to enhance the development of cutting-edge strategies aimed at identifying and treating NDD. Scientists are invited to submit their original research papers, case reports, clinical trials and review articles with the following potential, but not exhaustive, list of topics to include:
1. Cellular immunity in pathogenesis of NDD
2. Cytokines and growth factors in NDD pathogenesis (biomarkers for diagnosis, treatments and prognosis)
3. Gene, cell and gene-cell technologies utilizing delivery of cytokines and growth factors for treatment of NDDs
4. Genetic and environmental factors in NDD pathogenesis
5. Neuroimmune diseases
6. Immune component in brain-gut axis
7. Mast cells in neuroinflammation
Neuro-degenerative diseases (NDD) comprise a heterogeneous group of chronic disorders of the nervous system affecting central and peripheral neural tissue. Although the NDD clinical presentations vary significantly, inflammation and immune reactivity to self-proteins have been shown to play central role in pathogenesis of these diseases. Understanding mechanisms of pathogenesis of each NDD may help to advance the search for effective therapeutics. It is believed that immune mechanisms such as inflammation, autoreactivity and neurotoxicity play central role in pathogenesis of NDD. As the result, the progressive neuronal loss due to immune reactivity and inflammation clinically manifests various cognitive, motor and/or other dysfunctions.
Despite extensive research efforts, little is known about immune mechanisms of NDD pathogenesis and there is still lack of the reliable early diagnostics or effective therapeutics for NDDs. While basic research and clinical data on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of NDD continues to mount, the current treatment options still offer only supportive but not curative measures. Clearly, understanding the immune-related NDD pathogenesis will provide a foundation for establishing innovative methods of early diagnosis, prevention and therapy. The purpose of this special topic is to compile the most recent advances in the field, with a view to enhance the development of cutting-edge strategies aimed at identifying and treating NDD. Scientists are invited to submit their original research papers, case reports, clinical trials and review articles with the following potential, but not exhaustive, list of topics to include:
1. Cellular immunity in pathogenesis of NDD
2. Cytokines and growth factors in NDD pathogenesis (biomarkers for diagnosis, treatments and prognosis)
3. Gene, cell and gene-cell technologies utilizing delivery of cytokines and growth factors for treatment of NDDs
4. Genetic and environmental factors in NDD pathogenesis
5. Neuroimmune diseases
6. Immune component in brain-gut axis
7. Mast cells in neuroinflammation