The field of microbiome research continues to uncover the intricate biochemical exchanges that occur at the intestinal mucosa, a crucial interface between host and microbial entities. Among the multitude of molecular actors in this setting, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have emerged as both critical signaling molecules and potential instigators of cellular damage. Under normal physiological conditions, ROS contribute positively by regulating essential functions, such as epithelial barrier maintenance, innate immune responses, and the composition of the gut microbiota. Nonetheless, various sources including immune cells, epithelial NADPH oxidases, and microbial metabolism, can lead to excessive ROS production. This imbalance disturbs redox homeostasis, impairs barrier integrity, and propels the transition towards dysbiosis, raising questions about the dual roles of ROS in health and disease.
This Research Topic aims to delve into the dichotomous functions of ROS within host–microbiome interactions, emphasizing their protective signaling roles, while also exploring how dysregulated ROS contributes to chronic inflammation and infection-related pathology. A primary objective is understanding molecular pathways of ROS production and detoxification, both in the epithelial and immune cells. Unraveling how microbiome-derived metabolites impact host redox balance, as well as identifying innovative redox-targeted therapeutic interventions are key goals. These endeavors will address significant knowledge gaps and refine our insight into the roles of ROS in dysbiosis and disease processes.
To gather further insights in this domain, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
-Molecular pathways of ROS production and detoxification in epithelial and immune cells. - Influence of microbiome-derived metabolites on host redox balance. - ROS-mediated effects on tight junctions and mucosal permeability. - Impacts of redox imbalance on microbial community structure and pathogen overgrowth. - Innovations in redox-targeted therapies to restore barrier function and eubiosis.
This interdisciplinary approach, combining redox biology, microbiology, immunology, and systems biology, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of ROS as both protectors and disruptors in host–microbiome dynamics.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
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:
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.
