Unraveling the Complexity of Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Skin Diseases: From Molecular Pathways to Targeted Therapies

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 136

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail
Guest Editor
Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
Interests: clinical or molecular genetics and immunobiology of autoimmune and autoinflammatory skin disorders including, among others, hidradenitis suppurativa and pyoderma gangrenosum; genetics of infectious diseases; genodermatoses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
2. Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
Interests: neutrophilic dermatoses, including pyoderma gangrenosum, sweet syndrome and amicrobial pustulosis of the folds; autoinflammatory skin diseases; hidradenitis suppurativa; autoimmune bullous dermatoses; connective tissue diseases; chronic urticaria; atopic dermatitis; psoriasis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Autoimmune and autoinflammatory skin diseases—such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and pyoderma gangrenosum—represent a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory conditions with multifactorial etiologies. While significant strides have been made in recent years, the underlying molecular mechanisms and genotype–phenotype correlations remain only partially understood.

In this edition of our Special Issue, we aim to expand the scope beyond classical omics investigations to embrace a broader and more integrative vision of disease research. Omics technologies—including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics—continue to play a central role, offering unprecedented insights into disease pathogenesis, patient stratification, and biomarker discovery. In particular, the integration of multi-omics data through advanced bioinformatics and machine learning techniques is paving the way for precision medicine strategies. In addition, we seek to highlight innovative chemoinformatics approaches for the rational design of novel therapeutic compounds targeting key signaling pathways involved in skin inflammation and immune dysregulation. The integration of virtual screening, molecular docking, pharmacophore modeling, and structure-based drug design holds promise for accelerating the development of next-generation treatments with improved efficacy and safety profiles. Moreover, we welcome contributions that address the following topics:

  • The role of the skin microbiome and host–microbe interactions in triggering or modulating immune responses;
  • The impact of environmental exposures, including pollutants and heavy metals, on skin immunity;
  • Advances in ex vivo and in vitro disease modeling, including 3D skin equivalents and organ-on-chip systems;
  • Non-invasive diagnostic tools and circulating biomarkers;
  • Translational studies linking molecular data with clinical outcomes.

This Special Issue invites original research articles, reviews, short communications, and perspectives that explore the multifaceted nature of autoimmune and autoinflammatory skin diseases. Submissions focusing on systems biology, network medicine, and drug repurposing are especially encouraged.

By fostering a multidisciplinary discussion, we aim to contribute to the identification of actionable targets and the development of personalized, mechanism-based therapies for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Chiara Moltrasio
Prof. Dr. Angelo Valerio Marzano
Dr. Sergio Crovella
Guest Editors

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/autoinflammatory skin diseases
  • omics
  • bioinformatics
  • pathogenesis
  • tailored medicine

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (1 paper)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Review

21 pages, 1196 KB  
Review
Understanding Atopic Dermatitis: Pathophysiology and Management Strategies
by Heng Chai, Wing Sum Siu, Hui Ma and Yuzhen Li
Biomolecules 2025, 15(11), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15111500 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 56
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itching, redness, and dryness, significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. With a rising prevalence across diverse demographics, understanding AD is crucial due to its systemic nature and association with [...] Read more.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itching, redness, and dryness, significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. With a rising prevalence across diverse demographics, understanding AD is crucial due to its systemic nature and association with comorbidities such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, as well as its psychosocial implications. The pathophysiology of AD involves a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental triggers, leading to dysbiosis and increased susceptibility to superinfection. Clinically, AD manifests variably across age groups, with distinct presentations in pediatric and adult populations. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical assessment criteria, supplemented by differential diagnoses and, when necessary, skin tests for allergies. Current management strategies encompass topical therapies, including moisturizers, corticosteroids, and calcineurin inhibitors, alongside systemic treatments such as antihistamines, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Lifestyle modifications, including trigger avoidance and effective skin care routines, are essential components of comprehensive care. Emerging novel therapies targeting specific biomarkers are currently under investigation in clinical trials, offering promising avenues for more effective management. However, challenges remain in optimizing treatment protocols and addressing the multifaceted nature of AD. In conclusion, this review highlights the need for continued research and awareness regarding atopic dermatitis. A multidisciplinary approach to management is essential to enhance patient outcomes and address the complexities of this prevalent and impactful condition. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop