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Molecular Pathophysiology of Lung Diseases
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Molecular Pathophysiology of Lung Diseases

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 August 2025 | Viewed by 10791

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Theodoros Karampitsakos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ubben Center and Laboratory for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
Interests: respiratory medicine
Dr. Brenda M. Juan-Guardela

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Assistant Professor and Medical Director of Respiratory Care at Tampa General Hospital Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
Interests: immunogenomics; ILD; COPD

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The burden of lung diseases is steadily increasing. Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and post-COVID-19 syndrome have had devastating effects on health-care systems, and chronic lung diseases are now included in the top three causes of death. Despite considerable progress in the last few years, high-quality mechanistic evidence able to be translated into the molecular endotyping of patients and personalized medicine approaches is still an unmet need for most lung diseases. This Special Issue aims to shed light on the molecular pathophysiology of lung diseases and focus on experimental data with potential for translation into clinical practice, such as molecular biomarkers or targeted therapies.

Dr. Theodoros Karampitsakos
Dr. Brenda M. Juan-Guardela
Guest Editors

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

  • biomarkers
  • asthma
  • COPD
  • pulmonary fibrosis
  • post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease
  • pathogenesis
  • personalized medicine

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3642 KiB  
Article
Immune Response Dynamics and Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients
by Maral Ranjbar, Ruth P. Cusack, Christiane E. Whetstone, Danica L. Brister, Jennifer Wattie, Lesley Wiltshire, Nadia Alsaji, Jennifer Le Roux, Eric Cheng, Thivya Srinathan, Terence Ho, Roma Sehmi, Paul M. O’Byrne, Maryonne Snow-Smith, Michelle Makiya, Amy D. Klion, MyLinh Duong and Gail M. Gauvreau
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126427 - 11 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1692
Abstract
Background: The immune response dynamics in COVID-19 patients remain a subject of intense investigation due to their implications for disease severity and treatment outcomes. We examined changes in leukocyte levels, eosinophil activity, and cytokine profiles in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: Serum samples [...] Read more.
Background: The immune response dynamics in COVID-19 patients remain a subject of intense investigation due to their implications for disease severity and treatment outcomes. We examined changes in leukocyte levels, eosinophil activity, and cytokine profiles in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: Serum samples were collected within the first 10 days of hospitalization/confirmed infection and analyzed for eosinophil granule proteins (EGP) and cytokines. Information from medical records including comorbidities, clinical symptoms, medications, and complete blood counts were collected at the time of admission, during hospitalization and at follow up approximately 3 months later. Results: Serum levels of eotaxin, type 1 and type 2 cytokines, and alarmin cytokines were elevated in COVID-19 patients, highlighting the heightened immune response (p < 0.05). However, COVID-19 patients exhibited lower levels of eosinophils and eosinophil degranulation products compared to hospitalized controls (p < 0.05). Leukocyte counts increased consistently from admission to follow-up, indicative of recovery. Conclusion: Attenuated eosinophil activity alongside elevated chemokine and cytokine levels during active infection, highlights the complex interplay of immune mediators in the pathogenesis COVID-19 and underscores the need for further investigation into immune biomarkers and treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathophysiology of Lung Diseases)
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Review

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15 pages, 2745 KiB  
Review
Exploring Asthma as a Protective Factor in COVID-19 Outcomes
by Anthony E. Quinn, Lei Zhao, Scott D. Bell, Muhammad H. Huq and Yujiang Fang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(4), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041678 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 870
Abstract
Asthma has long been associated with increased susceptibility to viral respiratory infections, leading to significant exacerbations and poorer clinical outcomes. Contrarily and interestingly, emerging data and research surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that patients with asthma infected with SARS-CoV-2 experienced decreased severity [...] Read more.
Asthma has long been associated with increased susceptibility to viral respiratory infections, leading to significant exacerbations and poorer clinical outcomes. Contrarily and interestingly, emerging data and research surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that patients with asthma infected with SARS-CoV-2 experienced decreased severity of disease, lower hospitalization rates, as well as decreased morbidity and mortality. Research has shown that eosinophils could enhance immune defense against viral infections, while inhaled corticosteroids can assist in controlling systematic inflammation. Moreover, reduced ACE-2 expression in individuals with asthma may restrict viral entry, and the Th2 immune response may offset the Th1 response typically observed in severe COVID-19 patients. These factors may help explain the favorable outcomes seen in asthmatic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review highlights potential protective mechanisms seen in asthmatic patients, including eosinophilia, the use of inhaled corticosteroids, reduced ACE-2 expression, and a dominate Th2 immune response. Such a study will be helpful to better manage patients with asthma who have contracted COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathophysiology of Lung Diseases)
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22 pages, 1045 KiB  
Review
Pathogenetic Mechanisms Linking Sarcoidosis to Lymphoma
by Styliani Voutidou, Dimitrios Eleftheriadis, Fotios Drakopanagiotakis, Ilias C. Papanikolaou and Paschalis Steiropoulos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020594 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1201
Abstract
Sarcoidosis and lymphoma share immunopathological characteristics that suggest a complex, interconnected relationship. This article examines the multi-faceted mechanisms linking sarcoidosis to lymphoma, a phenomenon called sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome (SLS). SLS is hard to diagnose, requiring distinct criteria and imaging to differentiate overlapping features and [...] Read more.
Sarcoidosis and lymphoma share immunopathological characteristics that suggest a complex, interconnected relationship. This article examines the multi-faceted mechanisms linking sarcoidosis to lymphoma, a phenomenon called sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome (SLS). SLS is hard to diagnose, requiring distinct criteria and imaging to differentiate overlapping features and histological differences. The co-occurrence of these diseases may be explained by genetic predispositions, immune dysregulation, and environmental factors that enhance malignancy risk. In active sarcoidosis, chronic inflammation and granuloma formation induce the production of cytokines that can contribute to lymphoma development. The role of macrophage polarization is also discussed. Immunosuppressive treatment prescribed in sarcoidosis patients, particularly corticosteroids and biological agents, may increase the susceptibility to lymphoproliferative malignancies. These common mechanisms emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring of lymphoma in patients with sarcoidosis, as this granulomatous disease can mimic and promote the development of lymphoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathophysiology of Lung Diseases)
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17 pages, 505 KiB  
Review
The Molecular Basis of Asthma Exacerbations Triggered by Viral Infections: The Role of Specific miRNAs
by Natalia Kierbiedź-Guzik and Barbara Sozańska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010120 - 26 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1190
Abstract
Viral respiratory infections are a significant clinical problem among the pediatric population and are one of the leading causes of hospitalization. Most often, upper respiratory tract infections are self-limiting. Still, those that involve the lower respiratory tract are usually associated with asthma exacerbations, [...] Read more.
Viral respiratory infections are a significant clinical problem among the pediatric population and are one of the leading causes of hospitalization. Most often, upper respiratory tract infections are self-limiting. Still, those that involve the lower respiratory tract are usually associated with asthma exacerbations, leading to worsening or even the initiation of the disease. A key role in regulating the immune response and inflammation during viral infections and their impact on the progression of asthma has been demonstrated for miRNA molecules (microRNA). Their interaction with mRNA (messenger RNA) regulates gene expression in innate and acquired immune responses, making them valuable biomarkers for diagnostics, monitoring, and predicting asthma exacerbations. The following paper presents changes in the expression of miRNAs during the five most common viral infections causing asthma worsening, with particular emphasis on the pediatric population. In addition, we describe the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs influence the pathogenesis of viral infection, immune responses, and asthma exacerbations. These molecules represent promising targets for future innovative therapeutic strategies, paving the way for developing personalized medicine for patients with viral-induced asthma exacerbations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathophysiology of Lung Diseases)
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14 pages, 641 KiB  
Review
Personalized Medicine in Severe Asthma: From Biomarkers to Biologics
by Chun-Yu Chen, Kang-Hsi Wu, Bei-Cyuan Guo, Wen-Ya Lin, Yu-Jun Chang, Chih-Wei Wei, Mao-Jen Lin and Han-Ping Wu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010182 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4830
Abstract
Severe asthma is a complex and heterogeneous clinical condition presented as chronic inflammation of the airways. Conventional treatments are mainly focused on symptom control; however, there has been a shift towards personalized medicine. Identification of different phenotypes driven by complex pathobiological mechanisms (endotypes), [...] Read more.
Severe asthma is a complex and heterogeneous clinical condition presented as chronic inflammation of the airways. Conventional treatments are mainly focused on symptom control; however, there has been a shift towards personalized medicine. Identification of different phenotypes driven by complex pathobiological mechanisms (endotypes), especially those driven by type-2 (T2) inflammation, has led to improved treatment outcomes. Combining biomarkers with T2-targeting monoclonal antibodies is crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies. Several biological agents, including anti-immunoglobulin E, anti-interleukin-5, and anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin/interleukin-4, have been approved for the treatment of severe asthma. These biological therapies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing asthma exacerbations, lowering eosinophil count, improving lung function, diminishing oral corticosteroid use, and improving the quality of life in selected patients. Severe asthma management is undergoing a profound transformation with the introduction of ongoing and future biological therapies. The availability of novel treatment options has facilitated the adoption of phenotype/endotype-specific approaches and disappearance of generic interventions. The transition towards precision medicine plays a crucial role in meticulously addressing the individual traits of asthma pathobiology. An era of tailored strategies has emerged, allowing for the successful targeting of immune-inflammatory responses that underlie uncontrolled T2-high asthma. These personalized approaches hold great promise for improving the overall efficacy and outcomes in the management of severe asthma. This article comprehensively reviews currently available biological agents and biomarkers for treating severe asthma. With the expanding repertoire of therapeutic options, it is becoming increasingly crucial to comprehend the influencing factors, understand the pathogenesis, and track treatment progress in severe asthma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathophysiology of Lung Diseases)
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