Molecular Mechanisms and Pathophysiology of Nerve Regeneration

Dear Colleagues,

Within the field of regenerative biology, the peripheral nerve stands out as one of the most remarkable systems. Under optimal conditions, axons are capable of regrowing at rates of several millimeters per day—a process made possible by one of the most versatile cell types in mammals, the Schwann cell.

Schwann cells display extraordinary phenotypic plasticity, enabling them to adapt to a broad range of physiological or pathophysiological conditions. Their ability to transition through distinct differentiation states is central to the regenerative capacity of peripheral nerves. However, Schwann cells are not solely guardians of nerve homeostasis: increasing evidence indicates that they can act as facultative immune cells, upregulating antigen-presenting molecules and inflammatory mediators.

While our understanding of Schwann cell biology in “simple” mechanical nerve injury has grown considerably, much less is known about their role in more complex settings such as inflammatory neuropathies. Intriguingly, dedifferentiated, inflammation-competent Schwann cells share many markers with repair Schwann cells, raising important questions: At what point do they promote inflammation, contribute to its resolution, or enhance regeneration? Dissecting these dynamics remains an unmet challenge in the study of peripheral neuroinflammation. Addressing these questions may not only deepen our understanding of peripheral nerve biology but also pave the way towards innovative therapeutic strategies for peripheral nerve diseases.

For this Special Issue of IJMS, we warmly invite contributions from across the field of peripheral nerve diseases, ranging from fundamental models of nerve injury and inflammation to the translation of these insights into clinical research. Original research articles, comprehensive reviews, case reports, and opinion pieces are welcome.

We look forward to your valuable contributions.

Dr. Fabian Szepanowski
Prof. Dr. Mark Stettner
Guest Editors

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