Stress, Immunity, and Gut Microbiota in High-Stress Environments

In immunology, stress is increasingly recognized as a potent modulator of immune function. Chronic stress—especially from war and prolonged conflict—affects immune homeostasis, causing immune dysregulation and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. The gut microbiota also plays a key role in influencing immune pathways and controlling inflammation. Bidirectional disruptions in microbiota composition (gut dysbiosis) due to stress and dietary changes can cause immune dysfunction, resulting in proinflammatory states. Although studies have shown strong links between stress, immune imbalance, and microbiota changes, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Better understanding of these mechanisms is vital for developing effective and personalized treatments, especially for populations enduring high levels of stress in conflict zones.

This Research Topic addresses the critical need to understand how chronic stress, especially under extreme conditions such as war and conflict, impacts immune function and the gut microbiota. Prolonged stress can disrupt immune balance, increase susceptibility to disease, and trigger inflammatory processes, eventually affecting overall health. The gut microbiota, a fundamental component of immune regulation, plays a key role in modulating the body’s response to stress. However, stress-induced disruptions in the microbiota can worsen immune dysfunction and inflammatory responses. This topic aims to explore how these interconnected mechanisms operate under chronic stress and to identify innovative strategies for treating stress and stress-related disorders (such as immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases). By advancing our knowledge in these areas, we hope to support the development of interventions that mitigate immune dysregulation in populations affected by sustained stress.

This Research Topic encourages Original Research and Review Articles exploring the immunological interplay of stress, immunity, and the gut microbiota, focusing on chronic stress conditions such as those experienced in conflict zones. Key themes include:

• Identifying biomarkers of immune dysregulation in individuals under chronic stress,

• Examining the impact of war-related stress on immune and gut microbiota function,

• Evaluating nutritional, microbial, and pharmaceutical strategies to regulate immune dysfunction.

We also welcome studies utilizing animal models, multi-omics, machine learning, and AI approaches to achieve the best results in understanding stress-induced immune and microbiota alterations. Manuscripts should provide innovative perspectives on mechanisms and intervention strategies to support immune health and resilience in high-stress environments.


Topic Editor Christopher A. Lowry is:
Cofounder and Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Kioga, a CU Boulder startup company focused on commercializing soil-derived mycobacteria for stress resilience and mental health.
Within the last three years: member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Immodulon Therapeutics Ltd., this company is no longer active
Inventor on CU Boulder patents related to use of soil-derived mycobacteria for stress resilience.
The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

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
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... 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
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Stress, Immunity, Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, Immune Dysregulation, Biomarkers, Chronic Stress, Conflict-related Stress

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.