This Research Topic is the second volume of the “Exploring autoimmune diseases and endocrine crosstalk”. Please see the first volume here".

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones essential to control and regulate many bodily functions and maintain biological balance. Physiological processes, including development, metabolism, reproduction, and homeostasis crucially depend on hormones, and high vascularization of the endocrine organs ensures communication of hormones with other systems of the body. The immune system is highly receptive to endocrine signals, which can result in immune suppression or activation depending on the hormone and its action. For instance, testosterone and estrogen have immunosuppressive and immunoenhancing effects, respectively.

Growth hormones are further known to play a role in immune cell proliferation. Glucocorticoids are prescribed for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases due to their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. Autoimmune diseases result from a breakdown of immune balance, for example, of T effector/regulator T cells, subsequently destroying cells, tissues, or organs of the body. Therefore, immune balance is crucial for the prevention of autoimmune diseases, and hormonal balance is essential for overall biological balance.

Autoimmune diseases are complex, and their exact causes are unknown. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors are believed to play a role in their development, but hormones are also important for maintaining overall biological equilibrium, including immune cells. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A, phthalate, tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, can impact the immune system and are correlated with the development of autoimmune diseases, suggesting an ongoing crosstalk between immune and endocrine balance. However, the role of the endocrine system or EDCs in the development of autoimmune diseases remains ambiguous and needs to be studied further for the development of therapeutic approaches and prevention of autoimmune diseases. In certain autoimmune diseases, the immune system targets the endocrine organs such as the pancreas, adrenal gland, and thyroids, causing type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, and autoimmune thyroid diseases, respectively. Treatment options mostly include life-long hormone replacements, which can be stressful and exhausting for the patients. This Research Topic aims to improve the understanding of the crosstalk between autoimmune diseases and the endocrine system, leading to better prognoses and the development of targeted treatment strategies for these diseases.

We welcome the submission of articles that cover, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:

• Role of endocrine imbalance in autoimmune diseases

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their impact on the immune system

• Endocrine Autoimmune diseases

• Side-effects of hormone treatments in autoimmune diseases

• Crosstalk of Immune and hormonal balance

• Suppression of the immune system by hormones

• Neuroendocrine imbalance in autoimmune diseases.

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

Community series in exploring autoimmune diseases and endocrine crosstalk: Volume II