About this Research Topic
The interplay between environmental factors and the immune system is a complex and
dynamic process that plays a crucial role in the development and progression of various
diseases. Understanding how environmental factors influence immune responses is essential
for developing effective strategies to prevent and treat diseases. However, this field of
research faces several challenges, including the identification and characterization of specific
environmental factors, deciphering their molecular mechanisms of action, and determining
their impact on immune system function and disease outcomes.
The main objective of this research topic is to investigate the relationship between
environmental factors and immune responses in order to gain insights into their role in
disease development.
The specific goals include: Unravel the underlying mechanisms through which environmental factors interact with the immune system. This involves exploring the impact of these factors on immune cell function, cytokine signaling, immune regulation, and epigenetic modifications. Investigate the link between environmental factors, immune dysfunction, and disease outcomes across a range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, infectious diseases, cancer, and chronic inflammatory disorders. Identify the specific environmental factors that increase disease risk or exacerbate disease progression.
This topic encompasses a broad range of factors and their interactions with the immune
system in the context of disease development and progression. We welcome Comments,
Review/ Mini-reviews, Systematic reviews, Short reports, Original research articles or any
other format covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
1. Investigate specific environmental factors (e.g., air pollution, water contamination,
dietary components, chemical exposures, microbial agents) and their potential impact on
immune responses.
2. Elucidate the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms through which
environmental factors interact with the immune system.
3. Investigate the role and influence of microbiome on immune responses and diseases.
4. Assess the relationship between environmental factors, immune dysfunction, and
disease susceptibility or progression.
5. Investigate how environmental factors contribute to disease heterogeneity, disease
severity, or treatment responses.
6. Develop preventive and therapeutic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of
environmental factors on immune responses and disease outcomes.
Keywords: Dietary factors, Physical stimuli, Natural compounds from diet, Microbiome Contaminants, Immune cells, Immune dysfunction, Intervention strategies
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.