The impact of smoking on the immune response has been recognized as a key factor in the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions, in addition to those affecting the respiratory system. Furthermore, the rising global use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has been linked to disruptions in pulmonary homeostasis and adverse cardiac effects, largely attributed to inflammation, but with few descriptions of signaling inflammatory pathways. Smoking is known to exert deleterious effects on various aspects of cellular metabolism. While the impact of smoking on various immune-inflammatory pathways has been primarily studied in diseases such as cancer, an increasing number of studies have described its role in chronic inflammatory conditions mediated by the adaptive immune response, including osteoarthritis, COPD, cardiovascular diseases, gastroesophageal disorders, psoriasis, and periodontal disease, among others.

This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of inflammatory signaling pathways and immune dysregulation induced by cigarette and e-cigarette exposure across a broad spectrum of diseases. By exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying smoking-related immunopathology, we hope to uncover novel therapeutic targets and inform the development of innovative treatment strategies.

Despite increasing interest in the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, their specific effects on different immune cell types and chemokine signaling remain largely unexplored. In this context, addressing this knowledge gap is critical.

We seek to gather a collection of experimental and clinical studies that highlight recent discoveries on the immunological consequences of cigarette and e-cigarette use in diseases beyond the lungs. This includes insights into innate and adaptive immune responses, cell signaling pathways, and regulatory molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and microRNAs involved in smoking-induced inflammation.

We welcome studies as Original Research, Method, Mini Review, and Case Report articles, focusing on, but not limited to, the following subtopics:

• Immunological mechanisms underlying e-cigarette-related diseases

• Adaptive immune cell responses to e-cigarette exposure

• Inflammatory signaling pathways activated by cigarette and/or e-cigarette smoking across various diseases

• The role of inflammasomes in smoking-related inflammatory diseases

• Regulation of immune responses by microRNAs in cigarette and/or e-cigarette-associated pathologies.

We encourage interdisciplinary contributions that integrate immunology, molecular biology, toxicology, and clinical research to provide a comprehensive view of this evolving field.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Inflammatory signaling pathways in cigarette and e-cigarette-related diseases