Mitochondria are fundamental organelles that not only fuel cellular processes but also hold a pivotal role in immunological defenses, impacting everything from cell proliferation and energy production to apoptosis and inflammatory signaling. Central to their function, mitochondria influence macrophage behavior—from activation and survival to their polarizing response under different metabolic states. As primary producers of cellular free radicals, their heightened activity during immune responses can inadvertently damage cells, propagating inflammatory cycles potentially linked to a variety of diseases. Such dual roles underscore mitochondria's critical impact on balancing metabolic health and immune responses.
This research aims to dissect how mitochondrial dynamics influence immune regulatory mechanisms, particularly in the context of oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases. By focusing on how abnormalities in mitochondrial metabolism—such as changes in reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and metabolite shifts—affect innate immunity, we seek to uncover underlying mechanisms that could inform therapeutic strategies for inflammation modulation.
To advance this rapidly evolving field, we invite contributions that span the breadth of mitochondrial roles in inflammation and immune cell biology. Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
Metabolic disbalances and redox signaling in inflammatory pathways
Impact of oxidative phosphorylation and energy status changes on immune responses
Effects of mitochondrial dysfunction in acute infections and chronic inflammatory conditions like cancer, diabetes, and aging
Innovative methodologies for studying mitochondrial function in immune cells Contributions may include original research articles, comprehensive reviews, or cutting-edge technical papers that provide insights or tools benefiting both fundamental understanding and clinical approaches to inflammation and immunity.
Articles submitted to Frontiers in Immunology-Inflammation need to have a major focus on immunological mechanisms, their regulation by oxidative stress and the mechanisms by which the immune system affects the redox balance.
Manuscript dealing with traditional or complementary medicine without a very strong focus on immunological parameters are out of scope for this journal.
Keywords: Mitochondria, Metabolism, Oxidative stress, Redox, Inflammation, Marcrophages.
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.
