Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in Peripheral Neuropathy: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities

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About this Research Topic

Submission deadlines

  1. Manuscript Summary Submission Deadline 12 January 2025 | Manuscript Submission Deadline 2 May 2025

  2. This Research Topic is still accepting articles.

Background

Peripheral neuropathy encompasses a variety of conditions marked by damage or lesions to peripheral nerves, resulting in symptoms such as pain, itch, and sensory disturbances. Diseases such as diabetes, visceral disorders, and the side effects of chemotherapy, along with conditions involving inflammation and peripheral nerve insults, are notable causes of peripheral neuropathy, affecting millions of individuals globally. Recent advances have underscored the critical role of neuro-immune interactions in driving the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. Neuroinflammation, facilitated by the infiltration and activation of immune cells in neural tissues or by the immune capabilities of neurons themselves, plays a central role in the development and exacerbation of neuropathological symptoms. Cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators contribute to a perpetuating cycle of inflammation and nerve damage. Peripheral innervation not only transmits sensory information but also regulates various peripheral organs. The impact of peripheral neuropathy on these organs, particularly the role of neuro-immune crosstalks, remains largely unknown. The peripheral neuropathy signaling stimulates glial activation in the spinal cord or supraspinal centers, leading to long-term plasticity of sensory pathways and potentially contributing to a range of cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Collectively, a deeper understanding of these mechanisms is essential for the creation of novel, targeted therapies that can effectively manage or even reverse peripheral neuropathy.

The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a comprehensive forum that advances the comprehension of neuro-immune interactions occurring in both the peripheral and central nervous systems in various forms of peripheral neuropathy, elucidating its contribution to the onset and progression of neuropathic conditions. Additionally, this Research Topic aims to explore innovative neuro-immune-targeted pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to mitigate the debilitating effects of peripheral neuropathy and to achieve a beneficial impact on neuropathic disorders.

We invite researchers from diverse fields, including neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and clinical sciences, to contribute to this Research Topic focusing on neuro-immune interactions in disorders and diseases related to peripheral neuropathy. Authors are encouraged to submit basic or clinical research, including original articles and reviews that explore various dimensions of this complex field. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation in peripheral neuropathy.
2. Roles of immune cell infiltration and activation in neuropathic tissues.
3. Contributions of cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators to neuropathic pain, itch, and neural injury.
4. Neuro-immune interactions in specific contexts, such as diabetic and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
5. The impact of peripheral neuropathy-mediated neuro-immune crosstalk on peripheral organs: morphological and functional implications
6. Peripheral neuropathy induced neuro-immune interactions in the central nervous system, notably the activation of microglia-neuron and astrocyte-neuron couplings and their impacts on physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system.
7. Influence of genetic and environmental factors on neuro-immune interactions in peripheral neuropathy.
8. Development and evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies targeting neuro-immune pathways to relieve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
9. Clinical trials and case studies examining the effectiveness of neuro-immune modulating treatments.

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This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

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  • Editorial
  • General Commentary
  • Hypothesis and Theory
  • Methods
  • Mini Review

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Keywords: Peripheral Neuropathy, Neuro-Immune Crosstalk, Neuro-immune interactions

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