Immune Regulation by Self and Non-Self: Mechanisms and Implications in Host Defense and Immunopathogenesis

This Research Topic focuses on the mechanisms of immune regulation that enable the body to distinguish self from non-self, with significant implications for host defense and immunopathogenesis. Effective immune regulation is essential for identifying and neutralizing pathogens without damaging host tissues. However, dysregulation in these processes can lead to issues such as immunopathogenesis, contributing to autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and exacerbated infection responses.

This collection invites research that delves into the cellular and molecular pathways involved in immune discrimination, the strategies pathogens use to manipulate immune responses, and the factors leading to immune-mediated tissue damage. Our aim is to deepen the understanding of immune balance, offering potential pathways for therapeutic interventions to address infections and immune-related diseases.

This Research Topic seeks to consolidate recent insights into the mechanisms that govern immune regulation and the discrimination between self and non-self. Specifically focusing on the cellular and molecular pathways controlling immune responses, as well as on strategies pathogens use to evade or manipulate these processes. It seeks to summarize key findings on how immune balance is maintained or disrupted, including factors contributing to immune-mediated tissue damage, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation. Ultimately, the goal is to inform novel therapeutic strategies that enhance host defense against infections and mitigate immunopathogenesis.

We welcome contributions focusing on, but not limited to:
• Cellular and Molecular Pathways: Studies detailing the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immune responses, including signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, and immune cell interactions that contribute to immune tolerance and activation
• Pathogen Evasion Strategies: Research examining how pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, evade, subvert, or manipulate host immune responses to ensure their survival and propagation within the host. This includes molecular tactics used by pathogens to alter immune signaling, disrupt immune cell function, or exploit immune checkpoints
• Immune Dysregulation and Disease: Insights into how disruptions in immune balance can lead to pathological conditions, including immune-mediated tissue damage, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory states. This includes mechanistic studies on immune hyperactivity or failure in tolerance mechanisms and their contributions to disease
• Therapeutic Innovations: Development and evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring immune balance, enhancing pathogen defense, or reducing immunopathogenesis. This may include immunomodulatory therapies, vaccines, or targeted interventions that improve host resilience against infections

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
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• 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
• 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: Innate and adaptive immunity, Immune regulation, Pathogen evasion, Immunopathology, Autoimmune disease

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.