Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets for Pain Regulation
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 1857
Special Issue Editor
Interests: neuropathic pain; nerve damage; neurological disorders; diabetic neuropathy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Recent studies suggest that nociceptor neurons could wield considerable influence over immune responses and inflammation, implying that pain not only characterizes inflammation but also regulates the immune system significantly. Upon encountering harmful stimuli, nociceptors can release neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, which wield potent regulatory effects on vasculature, as well as innate and adaptive immunity. Crucially, various immune cells, including dendritic cells, neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, and T cells, harbor receptors for these neuronal mediators, facilitating direct responses to nociceptors. The nexus between nociceptor neurons and the immune system is increasingly recognized as pivotal in both pain perception and inflammation. The disruption of these interactions might underpin the emergence of inflammatory conditions affecting diverse bodily systems like the skin, joints, the respiratory system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, these neuroimmune interactions have been documented not only in peripheral tissues of damage but also in the central nervous system. Comprehending the interplay between nociceptors, immune cells, and glial cells holds promise for uncovering novel mechanisms behind inflammatory disorders and developing innovative therapeutics for their treatment and prevention, alongside chronic pain management. Although numerous molecules may contribute to the initiation of acute and chronic inflammation and pain, their precise mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, insights into the molecular mechanisms instigating the resolution of inflammation and pain have paved the way for novel strategies targeting complex acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and pain management. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that resolution pathways are diverse and likely vary based on the specific tissue and stimulus involved.
In this Special Issue, we invite submissions of original research and reviews focusing on acute and chronic inflammation and pain. We particularly encourage contributions that highlight the molecular mechanisms underpinning the persistence of inflammation and pain, contrasting with their resolution pathways.
Dr. Gurjit Singh
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- acute and chronic pain
- osteoarthritis
- nerve growth factor
- molecular mechanism of chronic pain
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
