About this Research Topic
The field of cytokines and their role in intestinal immunity has expanded tremendously in the last two decades. Since the discovery of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in 1984, a variety of cytokines and cytokine factors have been discovered and cloned. There are now 40 interleukins and several TNF-family members identified that signal through specific receptors and possess pleiotrophic biological activities, in many instances. There is strong evidence that cytokines play a critical role during intestinal immunity, and their role as mediators of intestinal immune responses to infectious agents including bacteria, viruses, and fungi has been demonstrated. In addition, several cytokines are critical mediators of chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease.
Anti-cytokine therapies, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor and anti-p40 monoclonal antibodies, have revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, and are now FDA approved for the treatment of these devastating diseases. These discoveries provide an excellent example of effective bench-to-bedside translational advances. One area of particular interest is the relationship between cytokines and the gut microbiome and how the cross-talk between these two important components of the intestinal mucosal immune system affects the integrity and function of the intestinal epithelium and of the gut micro-environment. In addition, the interaction between several cytokines and the gut microbiome and virome is receiving increasing attention. However, much more needs to be learned regarding the role of classical and novel cytokine/receptor pairs in mediating intestinal immune responses and intestinal tumorigenesis.
This Research Topic aims to understand the role of cytokines in intestinal immune responses with a focus on infections, tumorigenesis, inflammatory conditions, and the relationship with the gut microbiome. Both Review and Original Research articles are welcome for submission to this Research Topic in order to further expand our understanding of the roles of cytokines in intestinal mucosal immunity.
Anti-cytokine therapies, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor and anti-p40 monoclonal antibodies, have revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, and are now FDA approved for the treatment of these devastating diseases. These discoveries provide an excellent example of effective bench-to-bedside translational advances. One area of particular interest is the relationship between cytokines and the gut microbiome and how the cross-talk between these two important components of the intestinal mucosal immune system affects the integrity and function of the intestinal epithelium and of the gut micro-environment. In addition, the interaction between several cytokines and the gut microbiome and virome is receiving increasing attention. However, much more needs to be learned regarding the role of classical and novel cytokine/receptor pairs in mediating intestinal immune responses and intestinal tumorigenesis.
This Research Topic aims to understand the role of cytokines in intestinal immune responses with a focus on infections, tumorigenesis, inflammatory conditions, and the relationship with the gut microbiome. Both Review and Original Research articles are welcome for submission to this Research Topic in order to further expand our understanding of the roles of cytokines in intestinal mucosal immunity.
Keywords: Cytokines, Interleukins, TNF superfamily members, IBD, Mucosal Immunity
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