About this Research Topic

Background

Cell-Mediated Immunity (CMI) is defined as the arm of adaptive immunity that is orchestrated by T-lymphocytes (T-cells) and relies on the direct action of immune cells rather than of antibodies. The biology of ruminant's T-cells has been a topic of interest for immunologists for decades and the study of these cells has contributed to major observations on the immune system. However, until recently, new discoveries related to ruminant cellular immunity have been limited due to the lack of adapted reagents and methods.

A better understanding of the processes involved in the generation and maintenance of host CMI is a key step for the development of improved vaccines and therapies. T-cell activation relies on the recognition of peptides in the context of MHC class I or II, but little is known about the mechanisms of antigen presentation and cross-presentation in animals other than human and rodents. Similarly, observations of the phenotype and functions of ruminant T-cell subsets involved in the response to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections are still scarce. To compensate for this shortcoming, this Research topic aims to provide new insights into ruminant CMI, that include detailed descriptions of novel tools and techniques. Knowledge provided by this Research topic aims to facilitate development of novel strategies for the diagnostics, prevention and treatment of diseases in ruminants. Consequently, this information aims to contribute to key challenges such as the enhancement of animal welfare, the control of antimicrobial resistance and the promotion of One Health initiatives.

This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Reviews, Perspective and Technology & Code articles focusing on the following subjects, but not limited to:
- T-cell polarization and plasticity
- Antigen presentation and cross-presentation
- Cell-mediated immunity in the context of ruminants diseases
- Novel and improved techniques to study cell-mediated immunity in ruminants

Original articles must present a clear hypothesis and experimental results beyond descriptive and pure-predictive data. Review papers must be up-to-date emphasizing novelty and include new insights into the covered subjects.

Keywords: Adaptive immunity, immunoassays, antigen presentation, T-Cell, Plasticity, Polarization, Ruminant diseases

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.

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