Inflammation at the Nexus of Neurodegeneration: Cellular Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Dear Colleagues,

Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognised as a central driver, rather than a mere bystander, in diverse neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, retinal degeneration and rare inherited disorders. This Special Issue will highlight cellular and molecular inflammatory mechanisms that shape neuronal vulnerability and resilience, with a particular focus on microglia, astrocytes, peripheral immune cells, and the neurovascular unit. We welcome original research and reviews spanning innate and adaptive immune signaling; inflammasomes and cytokine networks; complement and chemokine pathways; crosstalk between metabolism, mitochondrial stress and inflammation; cell death pathways linked to inflammatory signaling; and the development of inflammatory biomarkers from tissue, CSF, blood and imaging. Studies employing cutting-edge approaches, including single‑cell and spatial-omics, advanced imaging, human stem‑cell or organoid models, and translational or interventional studies, are particularly encouraged. By integrating mechanistic, translational and clinical perspectives, this Special Issue aims to define how targeting inflammation can modify disease course and inform next‑generation neuroprotective therapies.

Dr. Kirstan A. Vessey
Guest Editor

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