Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways in Autoimmune Diseases

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 67

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Interests: T iymphocytes; inhibitory checkpoints; neuroimmunology; autoimmunity mechanisms; anatomy education; innovative education
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of Biomolecules, entitled "Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways in Autoimmune Diseases". Autoimmune diseases represent a significant challenge in modern medicine, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Understanding the intricate signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. We welcome submissions that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • Molecular and cellular mechanisms of autoimmune diseases;
  • Novel signaling pathways involved in autoimmunity;
  • Genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to autoimmune disorders;
  • Biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of autoimmune diseases;
  • Therapeutic targets and strategies for autoimmune diseases.

We encourage original research articles, reviews, and short communications that provide new insights into these areas. All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the highest quality of scientific contributions.

Dr. Daniele Saverino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • autoimmune diseases
  • molecular mechanisms
  • signaling pathways
  • therapeutic targets
  • biomarkers

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 7578 KiB  
Article
Brianolide from Briareum stechei Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions by Regulating the NFκB and MAPK Pathways
by Chia-Chen Wang, Kang-Ling Wang, Yu-Jou Hsu, Chao-Hsien Sung, Mei-Jung Chen, Meng-Fang Huang, Ping-Jyun Sung and Chi-Feng Hung
Biomolecules 2025, 15(6), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15060871 (registering DOI) - 14 Jun 2025
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease affecting both children and adults. Currently lacking a clinical cure, AD presents significant physical and emotional challenges for patients and their families, substantially impacting their quality of life. This underscores significant unmet needs in [...] Read more.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease affecting both children and adults. Currently lacking a clinical cure, AD presents significant physical and emotional challenges for patients and their families, substantially impacting their quality of life. This underscores significant unmet needs in AD management and highlights the necessity for developing effective therapeutic applications. Recently, several chlorine-containing active substances with promising pharmacological activity have been discovered in soft corals cultivated through coral farming. Among these, brianolide, isolated from the soft coral Briareum stechei, has shown promising potential. This study investigated brianolide’s regulatory effects on the inflammatory response in atopic dermatitis and its underlying mechanisms. Using an in vitro human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ) to mimic AD inflammation, brianolide was found to inhibit cytokine and chemokine expression via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NFκB)-signaling pathways. In an in vivo animal model of 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD, brianolide demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), ear thickness, erythema, and epidermal blood flow. These findings provide new insights into brianolide’s activity against AD-related inflammation, elucidate potential mechanisms, and contribute to understanding the pharmacological potential of natural coral products for AD treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways in Autoimmune Diseases)
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