Chronic autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions—such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, autoimmune blister-ing diseases, and cutaneous lupus erythematosus—can severely affect patients’ quality of life and are often chal-lenging to treat using traditional therapies. These diseases involve complex immune dysregulation, with contribu-tions from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Conventional immunosuppressants, while still in use, often lack target specificity and come with significant long-term risks. The therapeutic landscape has shifted dra-matically with the development of monoclonal antibodies against novel immune targets, cytokine inhibitors (e.g., IL-17, IL-23), Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and next-generation peptides and small molecules designed for en-hanced selectivity. Alongside these, cellular therapies—such as CAR T cells and CAAR T cells—are beginning to show promise as highly personalized approaches in dermatologic care. As these treatments move into wider clinical use, understanding their long-term safety, immunogenicity, and potential off-target effects becomes increasingly important. A careful balance between therapeutic benefit and associated risk is essential for informed clinical decision-making.
Autoimmune and auto-inflammatory skin conditions—such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, lupus erythema-tosus, and blistering diseases like pemphigus vulgaris—remain difficult to treat due to their complex and heterogeneous immune mechanisms. In recent years, targeted therapies have significantly reshaped how we approach these diseases. The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (e.g., IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors), selective small molecules, and JAK inhibitors has offered new levels of disease control and symptom relief. Meanwhile, a growing wave of innovation is pushing the field even further. Cell-based strategies, including regulatory T cells, CAR T cells, and the highly specialized CAAR T cells, are being explored for more tailored, durable disease modulation. These advances raise important questions around immunogenicity, long-term safety, and the fine balance between benefit and harm. This collection will bring together work at the forefront of these developments—exploring new therapeutic mechanisms, evaluating real-world outcomes, and examining the evolving safety and toxicity landscape of these cutting-edge treatments.
This Research Topic will focus on recent advancements in the treatment of autoimmune and auto-inflammatory skin diseases using biologic agents, targeted therapies, and cell-based approaches. Authors are encouraged to contribute original research, reviews, or perspective pieces addressing innovations in both therapy development and clinical application. We welcome contributions that explore recent advances in the development and clinical application of biologic and targeted therapies for autoimmune and auto-inflammatory skin diseases. This Research Topic will prioritize studies that examine both therapeutic innovation and the challenges of balancing efficacy with safety and toxicity. Relevant themes include: • Evaluation of novel biologic agents, monoclonal antibodies, and engineered peptides in immune-mediated dermatoses • Cell-based therapies in dermatology, including regulatory T cells, CAR T cells, and CAAR T cells • Comparative effectiveness of emerging treatments versus conventional therapies • Toxicity profiles, immune-related adverse events, and long-term safety monitoring • Insights into mechanistic immune targeting and disease pathogenesis Innovations in drug delivery sys-tems that enhance treatment precision and reduce systemic exposure • Biomarkers of therapeutic response and predictors of adverse outcomes • Real-world evidence, patient stratification, and personalized treatment strategies • Perspectives on Unmet Clinical Needs and future directions in immune-targeted Skin Therapy We invite original research articles, systematic reviews, mechanistic studies, and expert commentaries that contribute to a deeper understanding of this evolving therapeutic landscape.
Erin Barrett reports potential COI, research support, and/or investigator role from Regeneron and Sanofi. All other Topic Editors report no COI.
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Article types
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