About this Research Topic
Tenascin-C, -R, -X and –W are four members of a family of large, multimodular extracellular matrix molecules. By virtue of a large repertoire of binding partners, including other matrix molecules, soluble factors, and cell surface receptors, tenascins are key regulators of both tissue architecture and cell phenotype.
Each family member exhibits a specifically restricted, non-overlapping, pattern of expression that is tightly controlled in healthy tissues, helping to create distinct microenvironmental niches that program localized cell behavior, for example in stem cell niches, in areas of high mechanical load, in connective tissue and in the perineural nets. The expression of these molecules is transiently upregulated in response to cellular stress and tissue injury, where they each play diverse roles in activating immune responses designed to restore homeostasis. However, misregulated expression of these molecules is associated with aberrant inflammation in inflammatory, fibrotic, and metabolic diseases, and cancer.
This Research Topic aims to look back over the discovery of these matrix molecules nearly 40 years ago and highlight how our understanding of tenascin-related biology, and pathology, has exponentially progressed over the last few years. We also address how these molecules are being exploited for use in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and cancer, in the context of immune checkpoint therapy and beyond. We welcome authors to submit Original Research and Review articles focusing on:
1. New emerging roles for tenascins in inflammation, infection and tissue repair
2. Tenascins contribution to pathological inflammation in diseases including of the brain, gut, kidney, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems
3. Novel approaches for studying and targeting tenascin-mediated inflammation
4. Tenascins in tumor immunosurveillance
5. The interplay between tenascins and immune checkpoint therapies
Each family member exhibits a specifically restricted, non-overlapping, pattern of expression that is tightly controlled in healthy tissues, helping to create distinct microenvironmental niches that program localized cell behavior, for example in stem cell niches, in areas of high mechanical load, in connective tissue and in the perineural nets. The expression of these molecules is transiently upregulated in response to cellular stress and tissue injury, where they each play diverse roles in activating immune responses designed to restore homeostasis. However, misregulated expression of these molecules is associated with aberrant inflammation in inflammatory, fibrotic, and metabolic diseases, and cancer.
This Research Topic aims to look back over the discovery of these matrix molecules nearly 40 years ago and highlight how our understanding of tenascin-related biology, and pathology, has exponentially progressed over the last few years. We also address how these molecules are being exploited for use in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and cancer, in the context of immune checkpoint therapy and beyond. We welcome authors to submit Original Research and Review articles focusing on:
1. New emerging roles for tenascins in inflammation, infection and tissue repair
2. Tenascins contribution to pathological inflammation in diseases including of the brain, gut, kidney, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems
3. Novel approaches for studying and targeting tenascin-mediated inflammation
4. Tenascins in tumor immunosurveillance
5. The interplay between tenascins and immune checkpoint therapies
Keywords: extracellular matrix, tissue microenvironment, tenascins, inflammation, autoimmune disease, tumor immunology, checkpoint inhibition
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
