About this Research Topic

Background

Lung macrophages are heterogeneous cells residing in the alveoli and lung interstitial area, playing an important role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. After exposure to pathogens, they are activated and produce a variety of cytokines and mediators, protecting the body against a multitude of organisms including intracellular pathogens, bacteria, parasitic worms, and fungi. Nevertheless, when dysregulated, they promote some chronic and acute inflammatory lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) and fibrosis, etc. In addition, macrophages are linked to tumor immune evasion. However, the underlying molecular and immunological mechanisms of macrophage dysregulation and spatiotemporal interactions with other types of cells, such as T cells, NK cells, neutrophils, lung epithelial cells, and progenitor cells in these respiratory diseases still require further investigation.

In this collection, we aim to highlight recent advances in the contribution of macrophages to lung inflammation and immune responses. We aim to describe their key roles in maintaining lung homeostasis, the implications of macrophage dysregulation in the development and progression of various lung diseases, and the current challenges we face in targeting these cells for therapeutic intervention.

Manuscripts relating to the involvement of macrophages in experimental mouse models or clinical studies that relate to the healthy or diseased lung will be considered. The submission of Original Research, Systematic Review, Review, Mini Review, Methods, and Perspective articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following subtopics will be encouraged:

1. Macrophages in promoting lung repair and regeneration following lung injury

2. Macrophages in respiratory infections including their role in the host immune responses to viral, bacterial, and fungus infections

3. Macrophages in acute and chronic lung diseases such as ARDS, asthma, COPD, and fibrosis, etc.

4. Macrophages in lung tumor immune evasion and tumor immune therapy.

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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