In the field of immunology, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have emerged as significant players within the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems. Characterized by their roles in mucosal immunity, inflammation regulation, and tissue repair, these cells respond to constant environmental challenges like dietary antigens, microbiota, and bile acids. ILCs are divided into subsets—ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3—each defined by specific cytokine secretion patterns, transcription factors, and specialized functions. These groups are intricately involved in both physiological processes and pathologies such as liver fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma, making them critical to the understanding of liver and GI system dynamics.
This Research Topic aims to advance the current understanding of ILC biology within hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal environments. We aim to shed light on how these innate immune cells contribute to health and disease states within these systems, particularly focusing on conditions like cholestatic disorders, infections, and autoimmune diseases. By uncovering their roles and potential as therapeutic targets, the Research Topic aspires to drive innovations in personalized and targeted clinical interventions that leverage ILC functions.
To gather deeper insights into these complex roles, contributions should cover a range of themes: - Identification and validation of specific markers associated with ILC subsets in hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tissues. - Molecular and cellular mechanisms through which ILCs mediate tissue homeostasis, mucosal immunity, and inflammation. - Studies on transcriptomics, epigenetics, metabolism, and cellular trafficking related to ILCs. - The role of ILCs in liver diseases such as NAFLD/NASH, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. - Translating fundamental research into novel therapeutic strategies that harness ILC functions for effective treatment of hepatobiliary and GI diseases.
We welcome Original Research Articles, Reviews and Mini-Reviews, Methods Articles, Perspectives, Brief Research Reports, and Study Protocols. Contributions should aim to provide clinically pertinent insights based on cutting-edge technological and experimental advances, enhancing our comprehension of ILCs and their potential in immune precision medicine targeting these vital systems.
Article types and fees
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
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Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
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.
