Thoracic and Abdominal Immunology: State of the Art and Future Challenges

Thoracic and abdominal immunology is at the forefront of understanding how the immune system interacts with vital organs such as the lungs, liver, and digestive tract. The complexity of these interactions is a current area of intense research, as these regions host diverse microbiomes and are frequently exposed to pathogens. Furthermore, these are the regions where lymphoid tissue contains also special lymphocytes that produce naturally occurring autoantibodies whose role is a significant area of inquiry. The interest lies in unraveling the mechanisms behind immune regulation in these areas, particularly in how microbial communities influence immune responses. Researchers are exploring gut-lung axis dynamics, the impact of dysbiosis on diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and asthma, and novel biomarkers for early disease detection. Manuscripts focusing on these interactions, with emphasis on molecular pathways and clinical implications, are highly sought after.

The field of cancer immunology within this domain highlights advances in immunotherapy, especially for thoracic and abdominal cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and personalized vaccines are transforming the therapeutic landscape. Research that delves into the tumor microenvironment, resistance mechanisms, and the development of combination therapies is critical. Equally, post-transplant immunology is evolving, with efforts aimed at minimizing rejection through innovative immunomodulatory techniques. Studies proposing new tolerance-induction strategies or exploring regulatory immune cells' roles are expected to provide valuable insights into improving long-term graft survival.

Looking into the future, several challenges persist. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR and single-cell analysis can revolutionize our understanding of disease pathogenesis in thoracic and abdominal systems. There is a pressing need for translational research that bridges laboratory findings with clinical applications. Manuscripts offering interdisciplinary approaches and solutions to global health disparities are essential. In this research topic, we try to address these challenges from a global perspective that will be pivotal in shaping future healthcare strategies.

We particularly welcome Original Research and Review articles that focus on, but are not limited to the following subjects:

1. Interactions between microbiomes and immune responses in thoracic and abdominal regions.
2. Exploring the connection between the gut and lung immune systems and its impact on diseases like asthma and IBD.
3. Advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and personalized vaccines for thoracic and abdominal cancers.
4. Investigating mechanisms of resistance in cancer treatment and the role of the tumor microenvironment.
5. Impact on thoracic and abdominal health from a global perspective.
6. Use of CRISPR and single-cell analysis to understand disease pathogenesis.

Topic Editors declare no conflict of interests

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

• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
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• General Commentary
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Article types

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

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

Keywords: Immunology, Microbiome, Mucosal, Immunotherapy, Tumor microenvironment, Translational research, Thoracic Immunology

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.