Cytokines and Chemokines: Modulators of Epithelial Cell Biology in Health and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

It is well established that epithelial surfaces are responsible for protection, in the intestine for  absorption of nutrients and prevention of inflammatory conditions induced by exogenous factors, such as the  associated microbiota, and foreign and/or dietary antigens. This is achieved by maintenance of a physical barrier, synthesis of a mucus layer, secretion of antimicrobial peptides and active engagement in immune cell regulation to facilitate the internalisation, processing and efficient presentation of antigens. Cytokines and chemokines can have pro- and anti-inflammatory actions and can positively or negatively affect epithelial cell proliferation, cell death and barrier permeability. During inflammation and/or cancer, there is an increased mobilisation and activation of immune cells, the barrier integrity is compromised and there is an increasing tissue destruction. Chemokines that belong to a constitutive or homeostatic group mostly play an important role in the development and organisation of associated lymphoid tissue. On the other hand, inducible chemokines and cytokines are secreted in a response to proinflammatory signals and play a crucial role in epithelial inflammation and its resolution, and their dysregulation has been linked to stress, infection, inflammatory disease, cancer and inflammation-associated damage.

In this Special Issue, we propose highlighting recent advances in our understanding of how cytokines and chemokines, both those made by and those acting on the  epithelium, orchestrate many of the diverse functions of the different specialised epithelial cell types and their interactions with cells of the innate immune system (such as dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils), both in health and disease.

We welcome manuscripts particularly focused on the intrinsic role of epithelial cell-derived cytokines and chemokines, as this is an area that is still poorly understood.

Prof. Dr. Barry James Campbell
Dr. Stamatia Papoutsopoulou
Guest Editors

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