Human lungs are the primary organ in the respiratory tract characterized by a well-defined geometry and a multicellular composition. Several pathologies affect the lung tissue mainly involving the airways, the alveoli, and the interstitial space. Although recent findings have improved the prognosis of lung-associated pathologies, high mortality remains a challenge. Among others, lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for the highest mortality rates among both men and women. It is becoming clear that long-term exposure to toxicants, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and certain occupational chemicals, damages the lungs. Therefore, studying the exposure to harmful substances is a fundamental step in identifying lung pathologies onset and progression, as well as to design effective therapies. In this scenario, the manufacturing of engineered platforms faithfully mimicking the architecture of lung tissue in physiological conditions would be fundamental also as in vitro models for personalized therapeutic approaches.
This research topic aims to collect recent findings:
(i) on the development of advanced therapies and new drug formulations to foster tissue regeneration in the lungs;
(ii) on the onset of approaches to evaluate the exposure to toxicants and diagnosis;
(iii) strategies and approaches to re-create lung native micro-environments (in vitro experimental models and organ-on-chip);
(iv) on the design of more effective nano therapies to improve diagnosis and treatments. This research topic will contribute to improving knowledge in the field of biomaterials-mediated technologies to progress towards better understanding of lung diseases and the development of novel therapies.
This Research Topic welcomes Methods, Original Research, Perspective or General Commentaries, Reviews and Mini reviews, highlighting the important future directions of the lung research field. Manuscripts should focus on the critical examination of emerging challenges and intricacies that lie ahead, seeking to unravel the complexities surrounding pathologies affecting the human lungs. By emphasizing a forward-looking perspective, we aim to foster discussions and insights that not only elucidate present hurdles but also pave the way for innovative solutions and advancements. Authors are encouraged to explore the different aspects of these challenges, offering a comprehensive view that will contribute to the ongoing discussion and collective effort to establish a more optimistic prognosis for pathologies affecting the human lungs.
Keywords:
in vitro models, organ-on-chip, alveolar barrier, respinatory diseases, drug delivery, advanced therapies, lung cancer
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.
Human lungs are the primary organ in the respiratory tract characterized by a well-defined geometry and a multicellular composition. Several pathologies affect the lung tissue mainly involving the airways, the alveoli, and the interstitial space. Although recent findings have improved the prognosis of lung-associated pathologies, high mortality remains a challenge. Among others, lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for the highest mortality rates among both men and women. It is becoming clear that long-term exposure to toxicants, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and certain occupational chemicals, damages the lungs. Therefore, studying the exposure to harmful substances is a fundamental step in identifying lung pathologies onset and progression, as well as to design effective therapies. In this scenario, the manufacturing of engineered platforms faithfully mimicking the architecture of lung tissue in physiological conditions would be fundamental also as in vitro models for personalized therapeutic approaches.
This research topic aims to collect recent findings:
(i) on the development of advanced therapies and new drug formulations to foster tissue regeneration in the lungs;
(ii) on the onset of approaches to evaluate the exposure to toxicants and diagnosis;
(iii) strategies and approaches to re-create lung native micro-environments (in vitro experimental models and organ-on-chip);
(iv) on the design of more effective nano therapies to improve diagnosis and treatments. This research topic will contribute to improving knowledge in the field of biomaterials-mediated technologies to progress towards better understanding of lung diseases and the development of novel therapies.
This Research Topic welcomes Methods, Original Research, Perspective or General Commentaries, Reviews and Mini reviews, highlighting the important future directions of the lung research field. Manuscripts should focus on the critical examination of emerging challenges and intricacies that lie ahead, seeking to unravel the complexities surrounding pathologies affecting the human lungs. By emphasizing a forward-looking perspective, we aim to foster discussions and insights that not only elucidate present hurdles but also pave the way for innovative solutions and advancements. Authors are encouraged to explore the different aspects of these challenges, offering a comprehensive view that will contribute to the ongoing discussion and collective effort to establish a more optimistic prognosis for pathologies affecting the human lungs.
Keywords:
in vitro models, organ-on-chip, alveolar barrier, respinatory diseases, drug delivery, advanced therapies, lung cancer
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.