“Unconventional” T cells include mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, γδ T cells, intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Unlike the classical conventional αβ T cells, these “unconventional” or “innate-like” T cells are non-recirculating residents of non-lymphoid tissues and organs and exhibit features of both innate and adaptive immunity. These lymphocyte subsets express T cell receptors (TCRs) of limited diversity and exert immune effector functions by generating large amounts of cytokines rapidly.

Certain unconventional T cells dominate as immune cells in epithelium and are involved in infection and autoimmunity. Recent studies have uncovered new and fascinating roles for these unconventional T cells in maintaining tissue integrity, conducting tissue repair, regulating inflammation, and providing immune protection. The recruitment of lymphocytes to target tissues has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, and oral mucosal diseases, such as oral lichen planus.

This Research Topic aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying unconventional T cells-mediated inflammatory skin and oral mucosal diseases, which include psoriasis, graft-versus-host disease, lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions, skin and oral mucosal infection, skin wound healing, among others.

We welcome submissions of Brief Research Reports, Editorials, Hypothesis & Theory articles, Mini Reviews, Original Research articles, Reviews, and Systematic Reviews on the following subtopics, which include, but are not limited to:
• Mechanisms of unconventional T cells-mediated inflammatory skin diseases;
• Mechanisms of unconventional T cells-mediated oral mucosal diseases;
• Mechanisms of unconventional T cells in skin wound healing;
• Research on current and future prevention and therapeutic strategies.

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Frontiers in Immunology

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