Immunometabolism at the Intersection of Signaling Networks and Therapeutic Strategies

Immune cells are pivotal in defending the body against pathogens, maintaining immune surveillance, regulating inflammatory responses, and ensuring immune homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that dynamic signaling pathways tightly regulate the generation and differentiation of immune cells in conjunction with metabolic reprogramming. The immunometabolism field has advanced over the last years and provided a better comprehension of reprogramming pathways in different immunological contexts. During cellular activation, metabolites are produced by various interconnected metabolic pathways that meet the cellular needs to maintain its growth and/or survival. In addition, the accumulation of metabolic products in the cellular microenvironment can modulate immune cell function and modulate signaling components. In this context, distinct immune cell subsets rely on specific metabolic pathways to sustain their maintenance and functions, which are implicated in both homeostasis and pathological conditions such as infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Cellular signaling components are interconnected within intricate networks, involving receptors and key molecules, kinases, transcription factors, and epigenetic changes to regulate signals that control metabolism and immune responses.

Identifying key metabolic regulators and metabolites offers valuable insights into immune system dynamics and presents potential therapeutic targets for modulating immune responses in diverse disease contexts. This Research Topic aims to present the latest advancements in cellular and molecular signaling within the field of immunometabolism, providing a comprehensive understanding of novel regulatory mechanisms, their impact on immune function and disease, and how interactions between these cellular pathways may translate into promising clinical applications. By bringing together cutting-edge research, we seek to highlight the intricate crosstalk between metabolic processes and immune signaling networks that govern both innate and adaptive immunity.

Contributions that integrate the dynamic role of metabolic reprogramming in immune cell differentiation and activation across various physiological and pathological settings—including cancer, autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation, and infectious diseases—are especially encouraged. Likewise, this collection explores emerging therapeutic approaches that target immunometabolic pathways, including small molecules, biologics, and gene-targeted strategies, aiming to restore immune homeostasis or enhance immune-mediated defense. Therefore, this collection serves as a platform for fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and driving innovation at the intersection of cellular signaling, immunology, metabolism, and translational science.

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

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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
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Immunometabolism, immune signaling networks, metabolic reprogramming, cellular signaling pathways, immune cell differentiation, inflammatory responses, immune homeostasis, pathogen defense mechanisms, metabolites, immune modulation

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.