About this Research Topic

Background

Innate immunity is central to numerous processes, from cell physiology to sterile injury, autoimmunity, and cancer. Innate immunity is regulated by a broad set of evolutionarily conserved receptors to maintain host integrity. The main function of innate receptors including toll-like receptors (TLR) is to recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Besides, the aberrant or misplaced self-molecules could be sensed by receptors as a sign of perturbed homeostasis. Among these receptors, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway alerts on the presence of both exogenous and endogenous DNA in the cytoplasm. Regulation of these receptors and signaling pathways is vital for the innate immune processes.

Intercellular communication may facilitate a new understanding of innate immunity and the relevant signaling pathways. One of the remarkable developments in the intercellular communication field is the discovery that secretion of extracellular vesicles, which are conserved from bacteria to humans, enables biomolecular cargoes to be ferried between cells. Extracellular vesicles carry cargos including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that participate in the communication in numerous physiology processes including innate immunity. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and development of novel techniques related to extracellular vesicles would shed new light on the investigation of innate immunity.

In this research topic, our goal is to discuss recent advances in the discovery and regulation of pathways and novel intercellular communication routes in various cellular processes related to innate immunity. We encourage the submission of original research reviews and perspective articles on the molecular basis, signaling pathways, chemical intervention, and novel methods in the regulation of innate immunity and cellular communication.

Articles focusing on, but not limited to, the following subtopics are welcome:

1) Novel molecular mechanism involved in innate immunity；

2) Mediators and targets in innate immunity;

3) Chemical biology regulation of innate immunity；

4) Immunometabolism in innate immunity；

5) Clinical studies and therapeutic strategies in autoimmune diseases and relevant diseases；

6) Impact of intercellular communication in innate immune function, especially the roles of extracellular vesicles；

7) New technologies, methods, and strategies to facilitate studies in the intercellular communication related to innate immunity.

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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