Lung immunity plays an essential role in defending against respiratory pathogens. The lungs immune response is facilitated primarily through antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which serve as the bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. APCs, which include professional cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages, and non-professional cells like epithelial and endothelial cells, engulf and process the antigen, then present it to T cells, initiating an immune response. Both professional and non-professional APCs contribute to the overall lung immunity, although they each have unique roles and mechanisms on how they contribute to pathogen elimination and immune regulation. Recent research has heightened our understanding of how these cell types interact and function within the lung's unique immunological environment. However, a comprehensive understanding of the roles of APCs in lung immunity, particularly in the context of diverse respiratory threats, remains a challenge. This research aims to decipher the roles of these cells and their implications on lung health.

The primary goal of this research is to elucidate the roles of both professional and non-professional Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs) in lung immunity, particularly in the context of various respiratory threats, to ultimately enhance our understanding of lung health and disease. Firstly, we aim to dissect the specific roles of professional APCs like dendritic cells and macrophages in the initiation of immune responses. Secondly, we intend to elucidate the contribution of non-professional APCs, such as epithelial and endothelial cells, that are not traditionally viewed as immune cells, focusing on their secondary response roles and influence on tissue healing and homeostasis. Another objective is to investigate the interaction and communication within and between these two groups of APCs in diverse lung immune scenarios. Ultimately, we aspire to integrate these findings to depict a comprehensive picture of lung immunity and identify potential therapeutic targets for respiratory diseases. This research may offer critical insights into more effective treatment approaches for a variety of lung diseases, from chronic to infectious, by harnessing immune cell regulations.

We welcome Original Research, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Perspective, Review, Systematic Review, Technology and Code submissions focusing on, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:

• Distinct roles of professional APCs, including dendritic cells and macrophages, in lung immunity.
• Involvement of non-professional APCs, such as epithelial and endothelial cells, in primary and secondary immune responses.
• Interplay and communication between professional and non-professional APCs in lung immunity.
• Influence of these differently categorized APCs on tissue healing and homeostasis in the lung.
• Antigen presentation under various lung immune scenarios (eg., immune responses to different pathogens).
• Therapeutic implications: targeting APCs for disease treatment.
• Potential role of APCs in lung diseases: chronic lung diseases, infectious diseases, etc.
• Future directions in the study of the roles of APCs in lung immunity.

Submit your idea

Impact

Frontiers in Immunology

Submit your idea

Impact