The Role of CD4⁺ Th Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Autoimmune Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are a complex group of diseases involving many different pathways within the innate and adaptive immune system. A crucial factor in determining immune response outcomes is the heterogeneity and plasticity of T cells, which are extremely heterogeneous with various combinations of surface markers and effector functions. Immune homeostasis results from a balance between effector T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. In particular, CD4⁺ Th cells and Treg cells have opposing functions and are the key to maintaining immune homeostasis. In autoimmune diseases, their stability, plasticity and function are dysregulated and the balance between both subsets is disturbed. Accumulated studies have demonstrated that an imbalance between pathogenic CD4⁺ Th cells and Treg cells contributes to the development of various autoimmune diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for dysregulation remain largely unknown.

The aim of this Research Topic is to improve our understanding of Th cell subsets and Treg cell dysregulation in autoimmunity. We welcome the submission of all types of manuscripts (e.g., reviews, research articles, and short communications). Topic areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Molecular mechanisms that regulate the function, stability and plasticity of Th cell subsets and Tregs in autoimmune diseases;
• Environmental and metabolic factors that modulate the dysregulation of Th cell subsets and Tregs in autoimmune diseases;
• Expansion of Treg cell populations as an experimental therapeutic approach to control autoimmune diseases;
• Molecular mechanisms regulating Treg cell and Th cell migration into local inflamed tissues;
• Regulation of non-coding RNAs on the dysregulation of Th cell subsets and Treg cells;
• Autoimmune diseases-specific pathogenic Th cell subpopulations and their contribution to disease progression and response to therapy;
• epigenetics modification of Th cell subsets and Treg cells during the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Prof. Dr. Shengjun Wang
Dr. Jie Tian
Dr. Xun Xu
Guest Editors

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