Functional Role of Cytokines in Cancer and Chronic Inflammation

Dear Colleagues, 

Cytokines form a diverse group of signaling proteins which are secreted by a wide range of cell types, including immunocompetent cells, and contribute to various aspects of  inflammation, such as cell damage, metabolic alterations, angiogenesis, cell haemoattraction and migration. Beyond their more apparent role in acute inflammation, these molecules are responsible for a longstanding and less-studied chronic inflammatory response that is now known to drive a number of diseases, most notably a wide range of cancers, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. Cytokines, which are involved in chronic inflammation, have specific effects on the cross-talk between various cell types and thus form a microenvironment that can either promote or block disease progression.

Over the last 30 years, the role of cytokines and their receptors have been extensively investigated in both cancer progression and anti-cancer therapy. However, more effective immunotherapies require the cytokine profiling of each tumour type and comprehensive understanding of tumour biology. In cardiovascular disease, cytokines are an important part of the atherogenic environment and thus appear as potential targets in atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.

The articles published in this Special Issue will cover all aspects of fundamental and translational cytokine research for better understanding of cancer development and chronic inflammation-related diseases. This includes pathogenesis, progression and cytokine-specific therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Elizaveta Fasler-Kan
Dr. Daria M. Potashnikova
Guest Editors

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