Basic Research of Immunological Roles and Molecular Mechanisms of Cytokines in Inflammation

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation is a part of the complex surveillance response of our body to disturbances of homeostasis, such as exposure to pathogens, allergens or irritants, cell injury, or tissue damage. Inflammatory diseases are generally associated with the dysregulation of cytokines and chemokines, such as the imbalance of T helper (Th) type 1 and 2 cytokines, over-activation of Th17 cells, aberrant regulatory T cells and regulatory cytokines, and cytokine/chemokine storm. It results in an inflammatory reaction, including the infiltration of immune cells (e.g., T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, granulocytes, type 2 innate lymphoid cells) into inflammatory sites, enhancement of intercellular interaction, tissue/cell damage, airway remodeling, and mucus secretion in autoimmune, allergic, and infectious diseases. Therefore, the evaluation of the immunopathological roles and dysregulation of cytokines and chemokines in inflammatory disease furnishes a biochemical basis for the development of disease activity markers and novel therapeutic cytokine-targeting agents in inflammatory diseases.   

Many studies have focused on the immunological roles and mechanisms of cytokines. However, for inflammatory diseases such as allergies, auto-immune diseases, infectious diseases including tuberculosis and COVID-19, and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, the intracellular, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of cytokines/chemokines are still not well elucidated, especially newly discovered cytokines/chemokines. Furthermore, the translational application of cytokine therapy in inflammatory diseases is also elusive.  Therefore, this Special Issue aims to provide a forum for the dissemination of the recent advances in molecular mechanisms of cytokines/chemokines and their potential application in inflammatory disease and immune disorders.

Prof. Dr. Chun Kwok Wong
Guest Editor

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• cytokines
• chemokines
• inflammation
• intracellular signaling
• allergy
• autoimmune disease
• infectious disease
• cancer