About this Research Topic
The link between epithelial barrier damage and inflammation has been demonstrated in allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD), chronic rhinosinusitis, food allergy, celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis. Allergens, pathogens and environmental substances such as PM2.5, detergents, food emulsifiers, diesel exhaust, nanoparticles and cigarette smoke have been shown to cause epithelial barrier damage. On the other hand, current available therapies such as corticosteroids, beta agonists, leukotriene receptor antagonists and probiotics have potential to restore the epithelial barrier. In addition, complex interactions between the epithelial barrier and skin, airway and intestinal microbiome dysbiosis contribute to the pathogenesis of the allergic diseases.
The underlying mechanisms involved in epithelial barrier dysfunction and factors involved in the restoration of epithelial barrier remain unclear. Moreover, the dynamic changes of these disrupting and repairing factors need to be investigated. Also, the synergistic effects between allergens, pathogens, and environmental irritants are still substantially unknown. In this research topic on the epithelial barrier and allergic diseases, studies relevant to and beyond the following areas are welcome. All studies must include an allergy perspective.
• Discovery of biomarkers for the identification of individuals with a leaky epithelial barrier
• Exploring how a leaky epithelial barrier promotes allergic sensitization
• The imbalance between disruption and repair under different exposomes and its impacts on type 2 inflammation with state-of-the-art techniques
• Two way interactions between epithelial barrier dysfunction and type 2 inflammation
• Possible strategies to reduce diseases associated with a disrupted epithelial barrier
• The molecular components of different aeroallergens responsible for the induction of airway epithelial barrier damage
• Novel therapeutic approaches for tightening the tissue-specific barrier molecules and other components of the mucosal barrier
• Assessing the evidence on whether treating type 2 inflammation with biologicals improves epithelial barrier function
• Possible interventions through diet and microbiome to protect and restore biodiversity and the epithelial barrier
All article types accepted by Frontiers in Allergy are welcome.
Conflict of interest declaration: Dr. Yasutaka Mitamura has received FreeNovation grant from Novartis. (-2022.04.31)
The underlying mechanisms involved in epithelial barrier dysfunction and factors involved in the restoration of epithelial barrier remain unclear. Moreover, the dynamic changes of these disrupting and repairing factors need to be investigated. Also, the synergistic effects between allergens, pathogens, and environmental irritants are still substantially unknown. In this research topic on the epithelial barrier and allergic diseases, studies relevant to and beyond the following areas are welcome. All studies must include an allergy perspective.
• Discovery of biomarkers for the identification of individuals with a leaky epithelial barrier
• Exploring how a leaky epithelial barrier promotes allergic sensitization
• The imbalance between disruption and repair under different exposomes and its impacts on type 2 inflammation with state-of-the-art techniques
• Two way interactions between epithelial barrier dysfunction and type 2 inflammation
• Possible strategies to reduce diseases associated with a disrupted epithelial barrier
• The molecular components of different aeroallergens responsible for the induction of airway epithelial barrier damage
• Novel therapeutic approaches for tightening the tissue-specific barrier molecules and other components of the mucosal barrier
• Assessing the evidence on whether treating type 2 inflammation with biologicals improves epithelial barrier function
• Possible interventions through diet and microbiome to protect and restore biodiversity and the epithelial barrier
All article types accepted by Frontiers in Allergy are welcome.
Conflict of interest declaration: Dr. Yasutaka Mitamura has received FreeNovation grant from Novartis. (-2022.04.31)
Keywords: epithelial, skin, airway, barrier, dysfunction, allergy, regulation, restoration, mechanisms
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.
