Immune Plasticity in Mixed Pattern Rheumatic Diseases

Immune plasticity, which involves the immune system's capacity to adapt its function and phenotype in the face of changing environments, stands at the forefront of rheumatic disease research. The ability of immune cells to switch phenotypes is pivotal for maintaining homeostasis, balancing between protective immunity and pathological inflammation. In rheumatic diseases, this plasticity becomes a double-edged sword, where it can foster disease resolution or, conversely, exacerbate pathological conditions. This complexity is particularly evident in mixed pattern rheumatic diseases, where immune responses straddle the blurry lines between autoinflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms, challenging traditional classification systems.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the complexities of immune system plasticity in mixed-pattern rheumatic diseases, specifically focusing on how this adaptability influences disease progression, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. By understanding the dynamic interactions between the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system, we can uncover new pathways that may either promote disease or confer protection. The objective is to bridge gaps in understanding the spectrum of autoimmunity and autoinflammation through focused studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms.

To comprehensively cover this Research Topic, contributions should explore the various facets of immune plasticity within the context of systemic rheumatic diseases, with a special emphasis on Th17-mediated mechanisms. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Systemic sclerosis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

For this Research Topic, we are accepting submissions in the form of Original Research studies, Systematic Reviews, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Clinical Trials, Brief Research Reports, and Data Reports.

The Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Keywords: T lymphocyte phenotypes, Th-17, autoreactive effector cells, autoantibodies, effector cytokines, regulatory cytokines and effector molecules, immune tolerance

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.