Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune Disease

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 February 2025) | Viewed by 10374

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
Interests: pulmonary fibrosis; immunology; interstitial lung diseases idiopathic and secondary to autoimmune diseases; response to treatment; biological markers; bronchoalveolar lavage
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Guest Editor
Respiratory Diseases Unit, Emergency Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: inflammation autoimmunity cellular immunology; T cell biology; inflammatory diseases; autoimmune disorders; chronic inflammation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The term 'autoimmune disease' refers to a group of conditions characterized by immune disturbances that alter the reaction of the body's T and B cells to normal constituents of the body. An interplay between genetic predisposition, epigenetics, the environment, infection and microbiota alters their pathogenesis. Clinical and laboratory evaluations of an autoimmune illness are complementary and provide a better understanding of the disease. Multiple laboratory tests are needed and include basic studies such as a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, acute-phase reactants, immunologic studies, serologies, flow cytometry, cytokine analysis and HLA typing. However, some tests may be non-specific, such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), while traditional therapies, such as glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have long been used as a means of treating autoimmune diseases that do not specifically target inflammation, newer and more tailored biologic and molecular immune treatments are rapidly becoming the standard of care in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

In the current research topic proposal, we aim to focus on recent progress in understanding the role of autoimmunity in the development and progression of immune diseases. Ultimately this should facilitate moving into a new era of personalized, and hopefully more effective, treatment of immune diseases.

We welcome original research, reviews and mini-reviews covering, but not limited to, the following subjects:

  • Immunologic pathways involved in immune diseases pathogenesis;
  • Immune disease cohort study;
  • The role of autoimmunity in immune disease development and progression;
  • Novel approaches for the diagnosis of immune diseases;
  • New biologic therapies for immune disease treatment.

Dr. Miriana D'Alessandro
Dr. Lucia Vietri
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • immune disease treatment
  • autoimmunity
  • biomarkers
  • treatment
  • immunology

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2008 KiB  
Article
Diagnostic Challenges and Management of Relapsing Polychondritis with Large-Airway Involvement: A Case Series and Literature Review
by I-Chun Kuo, Chen-I Hsieh, Yi-Chan Lee, Li-Jen Hsin, Wan-Ni Lin and Michael J. Rutter
Life 2024, 14(9), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091194 - 21 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic challenges and management of relapsing polychondritis (RP) with airway involvement, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention to prevent severe complications. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records from January 2011 through June [...] Read more.
Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic challenges and management of relapsing polychondritis (RP) with airway involvement, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention to prevent severe complications. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records from January 2011 through June 2024 at a single tertiary-care institution were reviewed. This study was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 34 patients were diagnosed with RP, among whom 4 presented with significant airway complications. This study focused on these four patients, detailing their clinical presentations, diagnostic processes, and outcomes following various interventions. Results: All patients were initially misdiagnosed with asthma and later developed severe airway issues necessitating interventions such as tracheotomy and endotracheal intubation. Diagnostic imaging, microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (MLB) were crucial for identifying subglottic stenosis and other airway alterations. Treatments included high-dose steroids, rituximab, and surgical interventions such as balloon dilation and tracheostomy. Only one patient could be decannulated; the other three remained dependent on tracheostomy and experienced significant complications due to emergency medical interventions. Conclusions: RP can manifest with nonspecific respiratory symptoms similar to asthma, which may delay correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment, leading to critical airway complications. The early, precise identification of RP, particularly with airway involvement, is vital. MLB and dynamic expiratory CT scans play significant roles in clinical diagnosis and management. A multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists, rheumatologists, and pulmonologists is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune Disease)
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Review

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15 pages, 1304 KiB  
Review
Interleukin 8 Molecular Interplay in Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Scoping Review
by Romica Cergan, Ovidiu Berghi, Mihai Dumitru, Daniela Vrinceanu, Felicia Manole, Gabriela Cornelia Musat, Alina Lavinia Antoaneta Oancea and Crenguta Serboiu
Life 2025, 15(3), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030469 - 15 Mar 2025
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Abstract
The present scoping review underlines the molecular interplay between allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). A query of PubMed database resulted in the inclusion of 34 articles in the final analysis of this scoping review. IL-8 is [...] Read more.
The present scoping review underlines the molecular interplay between allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). A query of PubMed database resulted in the inclusion of 34 articles in the final analysis of this scoping review. IL-8 is one interconnecting immune mediator in the physiopathology of AR and CRS. An influx of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, occurs from mast cells, four to six hours after the initial response signifying the development of the late-phase response allowing the entrance of eosinophils, basophils, and T-lymphocytes at the level of nasal mucosa. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the mucosa of the nasal cavity and sinuses with two external phenotypes, but with molecular mechanisms that overlap with allergic rhinitis. Interleukin 8 induces neutrophil chemokinetic movement providing a chemotactic or directional cue. Clinical and fundamental studies established an implication of IL-8 in the disease mechanism of allergic rhinitis and CRSwNP. Moreover, there is still missing a randomized, large-cohort study with three patients groups (normal control, AR, CRSwNP) that analyzes the impact of IL-8 simultaneously. Future possible developments could focus on IL-8 as possible target for biologic treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune Disease)
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20 pages, 1023 KiB  
Review
Pathophysiology of Congenital High Production of IgE and Its Consequences: A Narrative Review Uncovering a Neglected Setting of Disorders
by Francesca Galletta, Antonella Gambadauro, Simone Foti Randazzese, Stefano Passanisi, Vito Sinatra, Lucia Caminiti, Giuseppina Zirilli and Sara Manti
Life 2024, 14(10), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101329 - 18 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Elevated serum IgE levels serve as a critical marker for uncovering hidden immunological disorders, particularly inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), which are often misdiagnosed as common allergic conditions. IgE, while typically associated with allergic diseases, plays a significant role in immune defense, especially [...] Read more.
Elevated serum IgE levels serve as a critical marker for uncovering hidden immunological disorders, particularly inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), which are often misdiagnosed as common allergic conditions. IgE, while typically associated with allergic diseases, plays a significant role in immune defense, especially against parasitic infections. However, extremely high levels of IgE can indicate more severe conditions, such as Hyper-IgE syndromes (HIES) and disorders with similar features, including Omenn syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and IPEX syndrome. Novel insights into the genetic mutations responsible for these conditions highlight their impact on immune regulation and the resulting clinical features, including recurrent infections, eczema, and elevated IgE. This narrative review uniquely integrates recent advances in the genetic understanding of IEIs and discusses how these findings impact both diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, emerging therapeutic strategies, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and gene therapies, are explored, underscoring the potential for personalized treatment approaches. Emphasizing the need for precise diagnosis and tailored interventions aims to enhance patient outcomes and improve the quality of care for those with elevated IgE levels and associated immunological disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune Disease)
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18 pages, 1109 KiB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence: A Snapshot of Its Application in Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Skin Diseases
by Federica Li Pomi, Vincenzo Papa, Francesco Borgia, Mario Vaccaro, Giovanni Pioggia and Sebastiano Gangemi
Life 2024, 14(4), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040516 - 16 Apr 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3970
Abstract
Immuno-correlated dermatological pathologies refer to skin disorders that are closely associated with immune system dysfunction or abnormal immune responses. Advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) have shown promise in enhancing the diagnosis, management, and assessment of immuno-correlated dermatological pathologies. This intersection [...] Read more.
Immuno-correlated dermatological pathologies refer to skin disorders that are closely associated with immune system dysfunction or abnormal immune responses. Advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) have shown promise in enhancing the diagnosis, management, and assessment of immuno-correlated dermatological pathologies. This intersection of dermatology and immunology plays a pivotal role in comprehending and addressing complex skin disorders with immune system involvement. The paper explores the knowledge known so far and the evolution and achievements of AI in diagnosis; discusses segmentation and the classification of medical images; and reviews existing challenges, in immunological-related skin diseases. From our review, the role of AI has emerged, especially in the analysis of images for both diagnostic and severity assessment purposes. Furthermore, the possibility of predicting patients’ response to therapies is emerging, in order to create tailored therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune Disease)
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