About this Research Topic
Surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) are collagen-containing calcium-dependent lectins, serving as soluble innate immune molecules. They maintain pulmonary and extrapulmonary homeostasis through their multiple roles as anti-infectious, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer agents. These proteins bind to target ligands on pathogens, allergens, tumor cells, and apoptotic cells, bringing about the effector functions via its interaction with cell surface receptors, enhancing their clearance from mucosal entry points, and modulating the inflammatory response. The effector functions of SP-A and SP-D include various innate immune mechanisms such as agglutination, opsonization, direct growth inhibition as well as strengthening of mucosal epithelial barriers. Recent studies provide evidence of the role of SP-A and SP-D in linking innate and adaptive immune responses, including the immunomodulation of dendritic cell function and in helper T cell polarization.
Recombinant molecules of SP-A and SP-D may represent potential therapeutic strategies, with their actions aiding the blockade of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections and their immunomodulatory capacity to prevent excessive inflammatory responses, which are seen during autoimmune diseases and infection with various viruses, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In this Research Topic, we aim to provide any update on the role of SP-A and SP-D in innate immune responses. We welcome manuscripts providing an update on surfactant protein interactions with various ligands and the resultant initiation of innate immune mechanisms. We will also welcome submissions highlighting the potential use of recombinant SP-A and SP-D therapies in the treatment of various pathologies, including for the treatment of COVID-19.
In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, and Mini Review articles focusing on Updates on Surfactant Proteins in Innate Immune Responses. We welcome submissions covering, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Updates on the anti-infectious mechanisms of SP-A and SP-D
• Updates on the immunomodulatory functions of SP-A and SP-D
• Regulation of the function of SP-A and SP-D
• Genetic regulation of the expression of SP-A and SP-D during infection
• Therapeutic potential of recombinant SP-A and SP-D
Recombinant molecules of SP-A and SP-D may represent potential therapeutic strategies, with their actions aiding the blockade of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections and their immunomodulatory capacity to prevent excessive inflammatory responses, which are seen during autoimmune diseases and infection with various viruses, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In this Research Topic, we aim to provide any update on the role of SP-A and SP-D in innate immune responses. We welcome manuscripts providing an update on surfactant protein interactions with various ligands and the resultant initiation of innate immune mechanisms. We will also welcome submissions highlighting the potential use of recombinant SP-A and SP-D therapies in the treatment of various pathologies, including for the treatment of COVID-19.
In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, and Mini Review articles focusing on Updates on Surfactant Proteins in Innate Immune Responses. We welcome submissions covering, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Updates on the anti-infectious mechanisms of SP-A and SP-D
• Updates on the immunomodulatory functions of SP-A and SP-D
• Regulation of the function of SP-A and SP-D
• Genetic regulation of the expression of SP-A and SP-D during infection
• Therapeutic potential of recombinant SP-A and SP-D
Keywords: Immunity, immune system, innate immunity, mucosal immunity, Surfactant, Surfactant Protein, Viral Immunity, Antiviral, Virus, Pathogen, Bacteria, SP-A, SP-D
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.
