Molecular Mechanisms in Mucosal Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2026 | Viewed by 2
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The mucosa barrier maintains homeostasis by inducing a protective response that prevents the entry of microorganisms capable of causing infection or damage. Disruption of this delicate regulatory mechanism leads to the development of pathologies affecting the intestine (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) or the respiratory tract (e.g., allergies, asthma, and COPD). Numerous molecular mechanisms contribute to maintaining homeostasis; among these, epithelial cells and the interactions between the innate and adaptive immune systems play essential roles in preventing mucosal integrity.
Innate cells have been shown to acquire memory, a phenomenon known as trained immunity. This process allows their reprogramming and promotes a more effective response to subsequent stimuli. Such training depends on metabolic and epigenetic in innate cells—both myeloid (dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, and granulocytes) and lymphoid (innate lymphoid cells, NK cells) lineages. Recognition of PAMPs or DAMPs by RRPs activates these cells, conferring effector- or memory-like characteristics. The magnitude of these alterations determines whether pathology develops, as they also influence the maintenance of mucosal homeostasis. Therefore, elucidating these mechanisms may enable the development of strategies to prevent or mitigate mucosal pathologies.
Dr. Mónica Vermeulen
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- mucosal immunity
- metabolism
- innate memory
- trainers and inflammatory stimuli
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