Both the innate and adaptive components of the immune system produce cytokines, which can be either pro- or anti-inflammatory. The delicate balance between these systems is primarily regulated by cytokines. Cytokines constitute a diverse array of proteins, peptides, and glycoproteins secreted by immune as well as non-immune cells. The nomenclature of these highly potent immune mediators includes interleukins, chemokines, interferons, lymphokines, tumor necrosis factors, growth factors, and adipokines. These molecules act in an autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine manner, influencing the same cells producing them, nearby cells, or cells located far away from the cytokine source to profoundly impact the physiological and pathophysiological aspects of livestock. In physiological conditions, cytokines are pivotal in coordinating immune responses, regulating immune cell differentiation, neurobiology, and modulating immune reactions. Conversely, in pathophysiological states, cytokines play a crucial role in defending against microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, contributing to controlled inflammation and disease progression.
Despite their importance, the specific functions of various cytokines in regulating diverse physiological states and their impact on immune responses under stress or inflammation are not fully elucidated. Additionally, the patterns of cytokine responses to infections or stressors and their influence on infection risk or the progression of inflammatory diseases are poorly understood. Therefore, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of cytokine roles in the health and diseases of livestock species like cattle, poultry, pigs, camels, sheep, and goats is crucial for advancing knowledge in this area. Understanding the intricate role of cytokines in both maintaining normal physiological functions and contributing to disease states is essential for developing effective management strategies and interventions in livestock health.
The objective of this Research Topic is to compile original research and review articles that aim to elucidate the roles of cytokines in the health and disease conditions of livestock. Potential topics encompass, but are not restricted to, the following:
- Investigating the regulations and functions of cytokines in maintaining homeostasis and during inflammatory conditions.
- Exploring how cytokines modulate the function and biology of specific immune cells in response to stress and inflammation.
- Characterization of cytokine patterns associated with the functional polarization of innate (monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells) and adaptive (T helper cells) immune cells in livestock species
- Examining pathogen-specific modulation of cytokines and their impact on immune system activation.
- Unveiling novel functions of cytokines through gene editing techniques.
- Understanding the role of interferons in viral diseases affecting livestock.
- Assessing the use of recombinant cytokines and cytokine receptor antagonists as therapeutic agents or vaccine adjuvants.
- Identifying cytokine-based biomarkers correlated with the severity of inflammatory diseases in livestock.
Keywords:
cytokines, health, disease, immune response, livestock
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.
Both the innate and adaptive components of the immune system produce cytokines, which can be either pro- or anti-inflammatory. The delicate balance between these systems is primarily regulated by cytokines. Cytokines constitute a diverse array of proteins, peptides, and glycoproteins secreted by immune as well as non-immune cells. The nomenclature of these highly potent immune mediators includes interleukins, chemokines, interferons, lymphokines, tumor necrosis factors, growth factors, and adipokines. These molecules act in an autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine manner, influencing the same cells producing them, nearby cells, or cells located far away from the cytokine source to profoundly impact the physiological and pathophysiological aspects of livestock. In physiological conditions, cytokines are pivotal in coordinating immune responses, regulating immune cell differentiation, neurobiology, and modulating immune reactions. Conversely, in pathophysiological states, cytokines play a crucial role in defending against microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, contributing to controlled inflammation and disease progression.
Despite their importance, the specific functions of various cytokines in regulating diverse physiological states and their impact on immune responses under stress or inflammation are not fully elucidated. Additionally, the patterns of cytokine responses to infections or stressors and their influence on infection risk or the progression of inflammatory diseases are poorly understood. Therefore, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of cytokine roles in the health and diseases of livestock species like cattle, poultry, pigs, camels, sheep, and goats is crucial for advancing knowledge in this area. Understanding the intricate role of cytokines in both maintaining normal physiological functions and contributing to disease states is essential for developing effective management strategies and interventions in livestock health.
The objective of this Research Topic is to compile original research and review articles that aim to elucidate the roles of cytokines in the health and disease conditions of livestock. Potential topics encompass, but are not restricted to, the following:
- Investigating the regulations and functions of cytokines in maintaining homeostasis and during inflammatory conditions.
- Exploring how cytokines modulate the function and biology of specific immune cells in response to stress and inflammation.
- Characterization of cytokine patterns associated with the functional polarization of innate (monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells) and adaptive (T helper cells) immune cells in livestock species
- Examining pathogen-specific modulation of cytokines and their impact on immune system activation.
- Unveiling novel functions of cytokines through gene editing techniques.
- Understanding the role of interferons in viral diseases affecting livestock.
- Assessing the use of recombinant cytokines and cytokine receptor antagonists as therapeutic agents or vaccine adjuvants.
- Identifying cytokine-based biomarkers correlated with the severity of inflammatory diseases in livestock.
Keywords:
cytokines, health, disease, immune response, livestock
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.