Understanding Epithelial Dynamics: Pathogens, Inflammation, and Homeostasis

Epithelia, dynamic structures acting as interfaces between external environments and internal organ microenvironments, undergo constant cellular turnover through division and death to maintain homeostasis. Pathogenic assaults often trigger inflammatory responses with the aim of clearing invading organisms. However, this process can damage the epithelium, disrupt homeostasis, lead to diseases, and even result in metaplasia. With the growing understanding of epithelial barrier dysfunction and repair mechanisms, there is a burgeoning interest in how these insights can be directed toward advances in regenerative medicine and disease therapeutics.

This Research Topic aims to deepen understanding of how epithelial tissues respond to pathogens and manage inflammation, particularly focusing on the development of relevant clinical models that mimic human physiology. By exploring physiologically relevant ex-vivo models and advanced simulation systems, the goal is to translate findings from basic research in animal models or cell lines to applications that can benefit human health, particularly in the context of regenerative medicine.

To gather further insights into how infections, inflammation, and epithelial dynamics interact at functional barrier tissue sites such as the skin, gut, lungs, and urinary tracts, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Immune signaling pathways influencing epithelial homeostasis
o Morphogenic gradients and developmental signals in tissue homeostasis
o Roles of epithelial stem cells and differentiation in homeostasis maintenance
o Balancing pathogen clearance with the restoration of barrier integrity
o Innate immune mechanisms and cellular proteins in post-inflammatory epithelial repair
o Epithelial cellular architecture, proliferation, and collective behavior
o Mechanical influences on epithelial layer dynamics
o Advanced bioengineered models of epithelial disorders
o Specialized sensory cell types in epithelial barriers for pathogen detection

Keywords: epithelium, homeostasis, inflammation, pathogen, barrier-integrity, immune response

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.