Molecular Mechanisms of Gastrointestinal Immune System and Its Role in Gut Homeostasis and Pathologies

Dear Colleagues,

Gastrointestinal homeostasis requires stringent regulation of immune responses against various environmental conditions, dietary antigens, commensal bacteria, and pathogens. Yet, homeostasis can be disrupted due to either failure or defects in the immunological mechanisms, or because the disrupting agents are new or excessive, a pathology is established. In this sense, the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases has increased dramatically, leading to an increase in the morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. Over the last decade, the immune responses in the gut have been extensively described and defined as a critical key to maintain the homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the involvement of the immune response in gastrointestinal pathologies remains unexplored, representing the next challenge for the scientific community.

The aim of this Special Issue is to cover different gastrointestinal diseases focusing on recent improvements in the immunological aspects of the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the innate immunity of the gut, the pathophysiology features of gastrointestinal diseases, and novel immunotherapies are reviewed also in this Special Issue. We welcome research or review articles focusing on these topics.

Dr. Jose E. Mesonero
Dr. Eva Latorre
Dr. Elena Layunta
Guest Editors

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