About this Research Topic
The intervertebral disc sits between the vertebras and is responsible for the support, durability, and flexibility of the spine. It is composed of the central nucleus pulposus (NP), the outer annulus fibrosus (AF), and the adjacent cartilaginous endplates. As the largest avascular organ of the body, the intervertebral disc has been regarded as an immune-privileged organ and immune homeostasis is fundamental to its cellular microenvironment and biological function.
Currently accumulating evidence has suggested immunological imbalance plays an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The involvement of immunocytes, exosomes, and related cytokines has been identified in IDD. Additionally, vascularization and neurotization aggravate this scenario with immunological factors infiltration and intercellular signal transmission. On the other hand, intervertebral disc cells, for instance, NP cells, AF cells, and notochord cells, etc constitute a strong basement for healthy disc immune homeostasis. However, studies in the mechanism of immune homeostasis and its imbalance of the disc are still in an early stage. Furthermore, the application of stem cells and regenerative therapy for immuno-regulation is also significant for IDD treatment and disc regeneration.
This Research Topic aims to publish all areas of research in cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immunological imbalance in IDD. In addition, therapeutic approaches or regenerative therapies for IDD in immuno-regulation are also welcome. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Methods, Review, and Mini-Review articles that cover, but are not limited to the following topics:
-Mechanisms of immunocytes, exosomes, and related cytokines involvement in immunological imbalance of IDD.
-Intercellular communication and cellular signal transduction during vascularization and neurotization in IDD.
-Cellular heterogeneity for immunity homeostasis management in intervertebral disc.
-The role of stem cells and regenerative therapy for the immuno-regulation in the regeneration of the disc.
Currently accumulating evidence has suggested immunological imbalance plays an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The involvement of immunocytes, exosomes, and related cytokines has been identified in IDD. Additionally, vascularization and neurotization aggravate this scenario with immunological factors infiltration and intercellular signal transmission. On the other hand, intervertebral disc cells, for instance, NP cells, AF cells, and notochord cells, etc constitute a strong basement for healthy disc immune homeostasis. However, studies in the mechanism of immune homeostasis and its imbalance of the disc are still in an early stage. Furthermore, the application of stem cells and regenerative therapy for immuno-regulation is also significant for IDD treatment and disc regeneration.
This Research Topic aims to publish all areas of research in cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immunological imbalance in IDD. In addition, therapeutic approaches or regenerative therapies for IDD in immuno-regulation are also welcome. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Methods, Review, and Mini-Review articles that cover, but are not limited to the following topics:
-Mechanisms of immunocytes, exosomes, and related cytokines involvement in immunological imbalance of IDD.
-Intercellular communication and cellular signal transduction during vascularization and neurotization in IDD.
-Cellular heterogeneity for immunity homeostasis management in intervertebral disc.
-The role of stem cells and regenerative therapy for the immuno-regulation in the regeneration of the disc.
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.
