Novel Dynamics and Mechanisms of Stromal–Leukocyte Interactions in Tissue Inflammation, Immunity and Healing

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 921

Special Issue Editors


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Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
Interests: gastrointestinal pathophysiology
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Guest Editor
Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
Interests: cell-cell communication; post-translational modification; receptor-ligand & TCR-antigenic pMHC interactions
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Guest Editor
Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
Interests: barrier pathophysiology; cytokines networks
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic inflammatory diseases and tissue healing processes are governed by intricate cellular and molecular interactions between stromal cells and leukocytes. While significant progress has been made in understanding immune cell functions, the role of tissue-resident stromal cells—such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells—in shaping inflammation, immunity and repair remains incompletely elucidated. Emerging technologies, including single-cell multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics and advanced imaging, have unveiled unprecedented insights into these dynamic interactions, revealing novel mechanisms that dictate disease progression, immune regulation and tissue regeneration.

This Special Issue aims to highlight cutting-edge research that explores the bidirectional crosstalk between stromal cells and leukocytes in the context of inflammation, immunity and healing. We invite submissions of original research articles and reviews that delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these interactions, with emphasis on:

Novel stromal–immune signaling pathways driving chronic inflammation or resolution; spatiotemporal dynamics of stromal–leukocyte interactions in diseased versus healing tissues; metabolic and epigenetic regulation of stromal–immune crosstalk; and technological innovations (e.g., AI-driven modeling, organ-on-chip systems, live imaging) that advance the study of these interactions.

We look forward to your contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Matthias Friedrich
Dr. Pablo Céspedes
Dr. Mathilde Pohin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • stromal–immune crosstalk
  • chronic inflammation
  • tissue repair and regeneration
  • single-cell omics
  • immunometabolism
  • fibrosis
  • spatial transcriptomics
  • immune tolerance
  • cytokine signaling
  • stromal niche immunology

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

21 pages, 3197 KB  
Review
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells at the Interface of Hemostasis and Immunothrombosis
by Luca Bonanni, Nicola Ferri and Paolo Simioni
Biology 2026, 15(9), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15090728 - 3 May 2026
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Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells are increasingly used for their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, yet their interaction with the hemostatic system remains incompletely understood. This review examines the mechanisms through which these cells influence coagulation within the broader framework of immunothrombosis. Evidence from in vitro [...] Read more.
Mesenchymal stromal cells are increasingly used for their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, yet their interaction with the hemostatic system remains incompletely understood. This review examines the mechanisms through which these cells influence coagulation within the broader framework of immunothrombosis. Evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and early clinical observations indicates that mesenchymal stromal cells can promote thrombin generation through tissue factor expression and phosphatidylserine exposure, while also engaging complement pathways, platelets, and innate immune responses. Counter-regulatory mechanisms, including adenosine-mediated platelet inhibition and immune reprogramming after cellular clearance, contribute to a context-dependent biological effect. Functional assays, rather than tissue factor expression alone, appear necessary to estimate the effective procoagulant potential of these products. Clinical data suggest that major thrombotic events remain uncommon, although subclinical activation of coagulation pathways may occur. The hemostatic impact of mesenchymal stromal cells depends on multiple variables, including cell source, dose, route of administration, and host inflammatory status. The available evidence supports a working model in which early coagulation and complement activation may be followed by immune modulation, supporting integrated strategies to optimise both safety and therapeutic efficacy. A central conclusion is that tissue factor, although mechanistically necessary for MSC-associated procoagulant activity, is not by itself an independent predictor of clinical thrombotic risk; the effective coagulation response also depends on phosphatidylserine exposure, membrane context, and host inflammatory conditions. Full article
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