The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the major route for tryptophan metabolism. A considerable amount of evidence has been accumulated as concerns the interactions between the KP, inflammation, immune regulation and the nervous system. As the KP is activated by various pro-inflammatory stimuli, through the induction of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) that triggers the production of several neuro- and immune- active metabolites, the system exerts a counter-regulating effect, maintaining the homeostasis following inflammatory processes.
There is increasing evidence that the KP is involved in a wide variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, or neurological diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.). Exploring the mechanisms of action of the KP and its effects on the immune and nervous systems could lead to the possible new diagnostic tools and therapeutic intervention for these diseases.
The aim of this Research Topic is to explore the role of kynurenines in a wide range of clinical diseases of inflammatory, autoimmune, or neuro-immunological origin, and the pharmacological characterization of kynurenines in in vitro or animal experiments. The synthesis of kynurenine derivatives together with the investigation of the in vitro effects in different experimental models might advance pharmaceutical development and pave the way to novel therapies. Also, the molecules of the kynurenine pathway are currently considered as promising biomarkers for different diseases, moreover, they might be appealing targets for immunotherapeutic treatments based on an clearer understanding of the molecular basis of some disorders, with improved prospects for their treatment, cure or prevention.
In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review articles covering, but not limited to, the following subtopics:
• The kynurenine pathway: physiological and pathological (or clinical) interfaces with the immune system
• Immune system regulation and modulation by tryptophan metabolites in the kynurenine pathway
• Tryptophan metabolites in the kynurenine pathway and their modulation of inflammation and autoimmunity
• Immunomodulating effects of the kynurenine pathway in inflammatory conditions associated with:
a) neuroinflammatory diseases
b) autoimmune diseases
c) sepsis and infectious diseases
d) gastrointestinal diseases
e) endocrine diseases
• Application of kynurenine derivatives in experimental animal models of neuro-immunological and/or infectious diseases
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the major route for tryptophan metabolism. A considerable amount of evidence has been accumulated as concerns the interactions between the KP, inflammation, immune regulation and the nervous system. As the KP is activated by various pro-inflammatory stimuli, through the induction of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) that triggers the production of several neuro- and immune- active metabolites, the system exerts a counter-regulating effect, maintaining the homeostasis following inflammatory processes.
There is increasing evidence that the KP is involved in a wide variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, or neurological diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.). Exploring the mechanisms of action of the KP and its effects on the immune and nervous systems could lead to the possible new diagnostic tools and therapeutic intervention for these diseases.
The aim of this Research Topic is to explore the role of kynurenines in a wide range of clinical diseases of inflammatory, autoimmune, or neuro-immunological origin, and the pharmacological characterization of kynurenines in in vitro or animal experiments. The synthesis of kynurenine derivatives together with the investigation of the in vitro effects in different experimental models might advance pharmaceutical development and pave the way to novel therapies. Also, the molecules of the kynurenine pathway are currently considered as promising biomarkers for different diseases, moreover, they might be appealing targets for immunotherapeutic treatments based on an clearer understanding of the molecular basis of some disorders, with improved prospects for their treatment, cure or prevention.
In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review articles covering, but not limited to, the following subtopics:
• The kynurenine pathway: physiological and pathological (or clinical) interfaces with the immune system
• Immune system regulation and modulation by tryptophan metabolites in the kynurenine pathway
• Tryptophan metabolites in the kynurenine pathway and their modulation of inflammation and autoimmunity
• Immunomodulating effects of the kynurenine pathway in inflammatory conditions associated with:
a) neuroinflammatory diseases
b) autoimmune diseases
c) sepsis and infectious diseases
d) gastrointestinal diseases
e) endocrine diseases
• Application of kynurenine derivatives in experimental animal models of neuro-immunological and/or infectious diseases
