Interplay between Tau Pathology and Neuroinflammation in Dementia: Bridging Basic and Clinical Science

Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the progression of dementia, particularly through interactions with signaling pathways that exacerbate tau pathology and neuronal damage. The activation of microglia and astrocytes, coupled with disruptions in pathways like TNF and NF-κB, instigates a harmful cycle of inflammation and protein aggregation. This intricate interplay between tau pathology and neuroinflammation contributes to neuronal decline, highlighting a pressing need to bridge the gap between comprehensive molecular understandings and effective clinical strategies.

Goal
This Research Topic aims to substantially deepen the understanding of interactions between neuroinflammatory pathways, tau accumulation, and neuronal injury in dementia. Moreover, we wish to include insights in the differences in tau species and neuroinflammatory processes between different forms of dementia, as well as clinical advances in tau biomarkers and PET imaging with Tau ligands. Our goal is to integrate emerging knowledge from basic neuroscientific investigations into viable clinical solutions, thereby aiding in the development of targeted therapies that address the root molecular causes of dementia-related brain damage.

Scope and information for authors
To propel advancements in this critical field, we welcome submissions across a diverse range of manuscript types supported by the journal (including Original Research, Reviews, Brief Research Reports, Perspectives, Protocols, Mini-Review, etc.), aligned with our objective to elucidate the complex mechanisms at play in tau pathology, neuroinflammation, and their crosstalk in dementia pathologies. Manuscripts should explore, but not be limited to, the following themes:
- Employing multi-omics approaches to uncover mechanisms at the interplay between neuroinflammatory triggers and tau pathology in dementia
- Structural biology applications to analyze the interactions between inflammation and tau pathology
- Investigation of conformational and physiological differences in tau species and inflammatory processes across various dementia forms
- Clinical developments in tau and inflammatory biomarkers and PET imaging using Tau ligands
- Updates on therapeutics targeting neuroinflammatory processes and tau pathology
- Utilizing big data and AI to explore signaling pathways and potential treatments
- Investigating the genetic and environmental factors impacting the neuroinflammatory-tau pathology crosstalk
- Plus other relevant scientific inquiries in preclinical or clinical settings

If accepted after peer review, articles will be published and appear online as soon as approved for publication.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: dementia, neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, tau pathology, pharmacotherapy, multi-omics, structural biology, signaling pathways

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.