Special Issues

Cells publishes Special Issues to create collections of papers on specific topics, with the aim of building a community of authors and readers to discuss the latest research and develop new ideas and research directions. Special Issues are led by Guest Editors, who are experts on the topic and all Special Issue submissions follow MDPI's standard editorial process. The journal’s Editor-in-Chief and/or designated Editorial Board Member will oversee Guest Editor appointments and Special Issue proposals, checking their content for relevance and ensuring the suitability of the material for the journal. The papers published in a Special Issue will be collected and displayed on a dedicated page of the journal’s website. Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies and Guest Editor responsibilities can be found here. For any inquiries related to a Special Issue, please contact the Editorial Office.

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Evolution, Structure, and Functions of Apolipoproteins L
edited by Etienne Pays
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 7576 | Submission Open
Keywords: APOL1 nephropathy; APOL1 risk variants; membrane traffic; membrane fission; membrane fusion; membrane dynamics; autophagy; mitophagy; viral replication; lipid droplets; pathogen resistance; inflammation
Novel and Experimental Strategies for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
edited by and Justyna Okarmus
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 6028 | Submission Open
Keywords: neurodegenerative diseases; experimental treatments; stem cell transplantation; immunotherapy; gene therapy; focused ultrasound; neuroprotective agents; Parkinson's disease; Alzheimer's disease; Huntington’ s disease; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cells of the Nervous System)
Galectins in Cancer, Fibrosis and Immune Modulation: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Strategies and Translational Advances
edited by Tsung-Chieh Shih
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 4528 | Submission Open
Keywords: Galectin; tumor microenvironment; immunosuppression; fibrosis; epithelial– mesenchymal transition (EMT); cancer metastasis; immune evasion; therapy resistance; myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs); tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs); extracellular matrix remodeling; Galectin-targeted therapy; combination immunotherapy; fibroblast activation; chronic inflammation; tumor– stroma interactions; novel inhibitors of Galectins
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Immunology)
New Tools to Address Old Challenges in Tolerogenic Cellular Therapies
edited by Konstantinos Mengrelis and
submission deadline 10 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 77 | Submission Open
Keywords: tolerogenic strategies; immune tolerance; allogeneic cellular therapies; autoimmunity; allergy; systems immunology; artificial intelligence; biomarkers; immune regulation
Cellular Mechanisms of Testosterone in Metabolic Disorders
edited by Daniel M. Kelly
submission deadline 13 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 92 | Submission Open
Keywords: testosterone; metabolism; type 2 diabetes; obesity; metabolic syndrome; MASLD; skeletal muscle; adipose tissue; insulin resistance; endocrine signalling
Modeling Developmental Processes and Disorders in Zebrafish submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 13 articles | Viewed by 54742 | Submission Open
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Biophysics)
Pathogenic Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammation-Associated Cancer
edited by Emiko Mizoguchi
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 23176 | Submission Open
Keywords: chronic inflammation; dysplasia; neoplasia; oncogene; cytokine; colitis-associated cancer
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Stem Cells and Beyond: Innovations in Tissue Repair and Regeneration
edited by Aurora Almadori
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 10798 | Submission Open
Keywords: adipose-derived stem cells; mesenchymal stem cells; induced pluripotent stem cells; stromal vascular fraction; platelet-rich plasma; exosomes; polynucleotides; cytokines; growth factors; extracellular matrix; cell signaling; wound healing; ageing; immune response; inflammation; scarring
(This special issue belongs to the Section Stem Cells)
Role of Thyroid Hormone in Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
edited by Janaína Sena de Souza
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 10433 | Submission Open
Keywords: thyroid hormones; neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders; central nervous system
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cells of the Nervous System)
Advances in Zebrafish Disease Models submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 5999 | Submission Open
Keywords: zebrafish; human disease models; experimental disease models; novel drugs and therapies; organic diseases; functional disorders
Mast Cells in Health and Disease: Current Insights and Future Perspectives on Development, Activation, Functional Roles, and Therapeutic Strategies
edited by
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2336 | Submission Open
Keywords: mast cell granules; mast cell mediators; mast cell development; mast cell survival; mast cell activation; mast cell activating and inhibitory receptors; receptor signaling; allergic and non-allergic pathologies; immunity and host defense; mast cell-directed therapeutic approaches
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Immunology)
Epigenetic Regulatory Networks in Cancer: Understanding the Mechanisms of Disease Progression
edited by and Sudheer Kumar Gara
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2098 | Submission Open
Keywords: cancer; epigenetics; miRNAs; BAP1; DNMTs; tumor suppressor; oncogenes; histone modification; chromatin remodeling
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Increasing Incidence of Retinal Disorders: Addressing Preclinical Studies with Appropriate Animal Models and Advanced Methodologies submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 1903 | Submission Open
Keywords: hypoxia; oxidative stress; angiogenic markers; HIF-1/VEGF axis; retinal diseases; β -adrenoceptors; electroretinographic responses
(This special issue belongs to the Section Tissues and Organs)
Molecular Mechanisms and Pathophysiology of Diabetic Retinopathy
edited by , Stephanie L. Grillo and
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1659 | Submission Open
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy; retina; retinal neurodegeneration; diabetic macular edema; pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy; proliferative and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy; molecular mediators of diabetic retinopathy; cell-based therapies for diabetic retinopathy
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Decoding Cancer Metabolism: Recent Insights and Future Directions
edited by Parash Prasad and Snehasis R. Mishra
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 538 | Submission Open
Keywords: glutamine metabolism; Warburg effect; anaplerosis; fatty acid metabolism; ferroptosis; oncometabolites; hypoxia; mitochondrial dynamics; reactive oxygen species; glutathione synthesis; nutrient sensing
Yeast Stress Responses and Cell Death Regulation submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 432 | Submission Open
Keywords: yeast stress responses; environmental stresses; signalling pathways; cell death
Gut Dysbiosis in Inflammatory Diseases
edited by Weiwei Liu
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 423 | Submission Open
Keywords: gut microbiota; innate and adaptive immunity; dysbiosis; metabolism; inflammatory bowel diseases; autoimmune diseases; metabolic disorders; fecal microbiota transplantation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Translational Aspects of Cell Signaling
edited by
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 409 | Submission Open
Keywords: cell signaling; drug development; prognostic markers; bioinformatics; translational research
Cell Biology of the Eye: Development, Disorders, and Repair submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 180 | Submission Open
Keywords: eye development; ocular homeostasis; degenerative eye disorders; stem cells; Regenerative medicine; ocular imaging; disease modeling; cellular senescence; gene therapy; ophthalmology therapeutics  
Extracellular Vesicles in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A 2025 Update
edited by and
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 167 | Submission Open
Keywords: extracellular vesicles (EVs); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); inflammation; epithelial barrier; cellular senescence; tissue remodeling; biomarkers; exacerbations; microbiota; therapeutic targets
Cellular Metabolism and Hormonal Signaling in Colorectal Cancer: Biomarkers and Therapeutic Opportunities
edited by Jibran Sualeh Muhammad
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 144 | Submission Open
Keywords: colorectal cancer; metabolic reprogramming; gut microbiome– metabolite interactions; therapy resistance; hormonal signaling
Advances in Annexin Biology
edited by , and Nunzia Novizio
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 143 | Submission Open
Keywords: annexin family; calcium-dependent membrane binding; cell signaling; inflammation and immune response; membrane repair; cancer biology; cell motility; cell differentiation; tumor microenvironment; diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers; therapeutic targets
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Death in Neurodegenerative Diseases
edited by and Emmanouil Metzakopian
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 126 | Submission Open
Keywords: cell death; neurodegenerative diseases; molecular biology; genomics; neuroinflammation; protein aggregation; neurobiology; mitochondria dysfunction
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Studies of the Adrenal Gland
edited by Wen-Jun Shen, and Salman Azhar
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 101 | Submission Open
Keywords: adrenal zonation; steroid hormones; steroidogenesis; congenital adrenal hyperplasia; hyperaldosteronism; Cushing’ s syndrome
Neurobiology of Sleep
edited by
submission deadline 15 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 77 | Submission Open
Keywords: sleep-wake regulation; neural circuits; glial biology; neurometabolism; sleep disorders; aging; neuropathology; astrocytes; GABAergic neurons
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cells of the Nervous System)
Novel Therapeutic Targets and Approaches, Genetic Markers and Signaling Pathways in Neoplasms submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 11 articles | Viewed by 33221 | Submission Open
Keywords: cancer; neoplasms; personalized medicine; genetic markers; next-generation sequencing (NGS); whole-genome sequencing; signaling pathways in cancer; novel therapeutic targets; drug development
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cell and Gene Therapy)
Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Pathogenesis submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 9 articles | Viewed by 23836 | Submission Open
Keywords: cancer; therapeutic targets; biomarkers; epigenetics; DNA methylation; microRNAs; somatic mutations; germline mutations; chromatin remodeling; histone modifications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Recent Advances in Novel Cell and Gene Therapies for the Treatment of Immune Diseases
edited by Qingdong Guan
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 7609 | Submission Open
Keywords: cell therapy; gene therapy; chimeric antigen receptor T cells; T cell receptor-engineered T cells; tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes; hematopoietic stem cells; chimeric antigen receptor NK cells; induced pluripotent stem cells; mesenchymal stem/stromal cells; immune regulatory cells
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Immunology)
Chromosomal Instability in Health and Disease
edited by Anna V. Roschke
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 6577 | Submission Open
Keywords: chromosomal instability; aneuploidy; polyploidy; cancer evolution; chromosomal instability and aneuploidy in embryonic development; chromosomal instability and polyploidy in evolutionary process; somatic aneuploidy in senescence and ageing
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cell Nuclei: Function, Transport and Receptors)
Sperm Biology and Reproductive Health—Second Edition
edited by and
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 4904 | Submission Open
Keywords: spermatogenesis; differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells in vitro; mitosis; meiosis; sperm formation
New Advances in Anticancer Therapy
edited by
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 2923 | Submission Open
Keywords: antibody-based immunotherapy; cell therapy; personalized anticancer therapy; RNA vaccines; nanotechnology
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Advancements in Research on hiPSC-Derived Cells
edited by Akhilesh Kumar
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2041 | Submission Open
Keywords: hiPSCs; hematopoietic progenitors; T cells; NK cells; cardiac cells; B cells; macrophages; neutrophiles; CRISPR/Cas9 technology; genetic engineering
(This special issue belongs to the Section Stem Cells)
pH Sensing, Signalling, and Regulation in Cellular Processes 
edited by Maike Glitsch
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1136 | Submission Open
Keywords: extra- and intracellular pH; pH sensing; signaling; and regulation; pH-dependent receptors; proton signaling; ion channels; G-protein-coupled receptors; cell biology and function; physiological and pathological processes; aging; cancer; inflammation; and so on; novel therapeutic strategies and targets
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cell Signaling)
Extracellular Vesicles and Exosomes: Novel Insight and Therapeutic Applications in Cancer
edited by Giusi Alberti and
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 940 | Submission Open
Keywords: extracellular vesicles (EVs); exosomes (Exos); proteins and miRNA; 2D-EVs and Exos; 3D-EVs and Exos; precision therapy; molecular mechanism; cancer physiology; oncology research
Cell Death and Its Clearance in Health and Disease
edited by
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 375 | Submission Open
Keywords: cell death; phagocytosis; immune homeostasis; inflammation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Therapies: Innovations in Regenerative Medicine and Translational Applications
edited by Giandomenico Amico and Paolo Elia Cappella
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 297 | Submission Open
Keywords: mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); stromal cells; microvesicles; exosomes; extracellular vesicles (EVs); immunomodulatory properties; bone marrow; adipose tissue; Wharton’ s jelly; cord blood; placenta; amnion
(This special issue belongs to the Section Stem Cells)
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Microglia/Macrophages in the Nervous System
edited by Emanuela Paldino
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 153 | Submission Open
Keywords: microglia; macrophages; neurological disorders
Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis: Molecular and Pathological Research Advance submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 141 | Submission Open
Keywords: atherosclerosis; thrombosis; molecular mechanisms; translational research; precision medicine
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Stress-Induced Acute Immune Activation and Its Biological Consequences
edited by Ana Cicvaric
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 137 | Submission Open
Keywords: stress-induced immune signaling; acute immune activation; innate immune cell activation; cytokine response; cellular stress responses; inflammation and homeostasis
Signalling Mechanisms Regulating Cardiac Fibroblast Function
edited by Haofei Wang and
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 103 | Submission Open
Keywords: cardiac fibroblasts; myofibroblast activation; extracellular matrix remodeling; fibrosis; intercellular communication; mechanotransduction; single-cell and spatial insights; regeneration; therapeutic targeting
Regulatory Factors and Signaling Pathways of Anti-Tumor Immune Responses
edited by
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 82 | Submission Open
Keywords: anti-tumor immunity; immunotherapy; immune checkpoint blockade; immune receptor and ligand; immune evasion; tumor immune microenvironment; inflammation; T-cell activation and inhibition; myeloid-derived suppressor cell; macrophage; dendritic cell
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Immunology)
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
edited by and
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 56 | Submission Open
Keywords: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; fibroblast activation; epithelial– mesenchymal interaction; extracellular matrix remodeling; inflammation; signaling pathways; biomarkers; molecular targets; autophagy; senescence
New Mechanistic Insights and Novel Therapeutic Options for Pulmonary Vascular Disease (PVD)
edited by
submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 47 | Submission Open
Keywords: pulmonary vascular disease; pulmonary hypertension; pulmonary arterial hypertension; vascular contraction; vascular remodeling
Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies in Metabolic Syndromes and Neurological Disorders submission deadline 20 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 30 | Submission Open
Keywords: neurological disorders; metabolic syndromes; neurodegenerative disease; systems biology; precision medicine; target therapy
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cells of the Nervous System)
Therapeutic Targets in Glioblastoma
edited by Candice Mazewski and
submission deadline 25 Apr 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 16871 | Submission Open
Keywords: glioblastoma; signaling targets; blood-brain-barrier; complementary and alternative medicine; combination therapy; glioma stem cells; progression; resistance; nutrient-sensing
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cells of the Nervous System)
Identifying Functional Genomics and Pathways in Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy Resistance
edited by and Ramkrishna Mitra
submission deadline 25 Apr 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 3669 | Submission Open
Keywords: functional genomics; cancer signaling pathways; targeted therapy; drug resistance; tumor microenvironment; oncogenomics; acquired resistance; tumor mutations
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Its Receptor (VEGFR) in Angiogenesis
edited by Alessandra Loda and
submission deadline 25 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 2827 | Submission Open
Keywords: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); VEGF receptors (VEGFRs); angiogenesis; endothelial cells; anti-angiogenic therapies; VEGFR inhibitors
Retinal Pigmented Epithelium (RPE) and the Choroid: Players and Partners for Vision
edited by and Janet R. Sparrow
submission deadline 25 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 611 | Submission Open
Keywords: retinal pigment epithelium; photoreceptor cell; choroid; Bruch’ s membrane; neural retina; visual cycle; phagocytosis; secretion; organelles; mitochondria; retinoid; melanin; albinism; age-related macular degeneration
(This special issue belongs to the Section Tissues and Organs)
Molecular and Cellular Insights into Platelet Function, 2nd Edition submission deadline 25 Apr 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 162 | Submission Open
Keywords: platelet; wound healing; fibrinolysis; regeneration and tissue remodeling; angiogenesis; lymphatic development; inflammation and immunity
Stem Cells in Action: Unlocking the Potential of Next-Generation Therapies
edited by George G. Koliakos
submission deadline 25 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 89 | Submission Open
Keywords: stem cell biology; differentiation and niche interaction; secretome/extracellular vesicles; organoids and disease modeling; regenerative medicine and tissue repair; immunomodulation and antimicrobial function; cell-based therapies and  cGMP translation; scaffold and biomaterial integration
(This special issue belongs to the Section Stem Cells)
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