Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium. Diagnosis is established by
endomyocardial biopsy using established histological, immunological, and immunohistochemical criteria. The disease can be idiopathic, infectious, or autoimmune, and may progress to dilated cardiomyopathy, life-threatening arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.

Autoimmune myocarditis may occur with exclusive cardiac involvement or in the context of systemic immune-mediated diseases. Despite significant progress made in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune myocarditis, the exact cause of the disease is not fully understood. The disease remains a challenge to manage, indicating the need for further research to better understand the pathogenesis and develop more effective treatment options.

The aim of this Research Topic is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on autoimmune myocarditis, highlighting recent advances and identifying the major challenges that remain in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The topic is expanded to include other inflammatory cardiomyopathies, direct or indirect, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias related to autoimmunity and inflammatory mechanisms. The main problem to be tackled is to improve the accuracy and specificity of the diagnostic criteria, in order to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment. In addition, the Research Topic will address the need
for therapeutic strategies and protocols for the management of autoimmune myocarditis, focusing on the development of targeted immunomodulatory agents that can selectively inhibit the pathogenic immune response. Studies of inflammatory cardiomyopathies will enhance the knowledge with overlap expected in mechanisms and therapy for these related diseases.

We welcome contributions from researchers and clinicians working in the field of autoimmune myocarditis, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias, including original research articles, reviews, and perspectives. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Immune mediated mechanisms and immunology of disease pathogenesis leading to the progression to heart failure
- Novel diagnostic biomarkers and imaging techniques for autoimmune myocarditis, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias related to autoimmunity
- Pathophysiology and immune mediated mechanisms of autoimmune myocarditis and inflammatory cardiomyopathies including the role of autoantibodies, immune cells and cytokines
- Genetic and environmental factors predisposing to autoimmune myocarditis and inflammatory cardiomyopathies
- Animal models of autoimmune myocarditis and cardiomyopathies and their relevance to human disease
- Clinical trials of new therapies for autoimmune myocarditis and inflammatory cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias
- Long-term outcomes of autoimmune myocarditis, arrhythmias and inflammatory cardiomyopathies and the impact of immunotherapies

Manuscripts must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines for Frontiers in Immunology. We look forward to receiving novel contributions that will advance our understanding of the immunology of autoimmune myocarditis, autoimmune arrhythmias and inflammatory cardiomyopathies and help improve the management of this challenging disease.

Topic editor Madeleine W Cunningham, PhD, is the chief scientific officer/consultant and co-founder of Moleculera Labs. The company offers diagnostic testing for neuronal autoantibodies in autoimmune neurologic and psychiatric disorders, and the company holds a license for offering future diagnostic testing of heart autoantibodies in autoimmune heart diseases. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Advances and Challenges in Autoimmune Myocarditis and Other Inflammatory Cardiomyopathies: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment