Unraveling Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation: Translational Advances with MRI and PET Technologies

Neuroscience research has increasingly highlighted the intertwined roles of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the development and progression of major neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. The relationship between neuroinflammation—characterized by the activation of glial cells and production of proinflammatory mediators—and neurodegeneration—marked by irreversible neuronal loss and structural changes—remains a subject of intense investigation and debate. Despite significant progress in the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets, many questions persist regarding how inflammatory processes drive or result from neurodegenerative changes, the temporal sequence of these events, and the extent to which they can be captured and differentiated in vivo. Recent studies using advanced imaging modalities have enabled unprecedented visualization of pathological hallmarks such as amyloid plaques, tau tangles, microglial activation, and subtle microvascular alterations, yet clear mechanistic links and predictive imaging markers are still lacking. As the field moves forward, harnessing the capabilities of cutting-edge imaging techniques is key to filling these critical knowledge gaps.

This Research Topic aims to foster an integrated exploration of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, leveraging the strengths of advanced MRI and PET imaging to deepen our understanding of their multifaceted and reciprocal interactions. By moving away from fragmented analyses and focusing instead on the convergence and divergence of these processes across diverse neurological diseases, contributors will help clarify underlying mechanisms, refine diagnostic accuracy, and potentially reveal novel therapeutic monitoring strategies. Of particular interest are studies that elucidate how dynamic imaging biomarkers can inform on the progression and interplay of inflammation and degeneration, paving the way for precision medicine approaches in neurodegenerative care.

The scope of this Research Topic is centered on studies utilizing advanced MRI and/or PET techniques to investigate the domains where neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration intersect. Submissions should prioritize integrative, hypothesis-driven research rather than studies focusing solely on one aspect in isolation. To gather further insights, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Multimodal imaging approaches to studying neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes
Longitudinal imaging studies tracking neurodegeneration and inflammation
Comparative analyses of imaging biomarkers in different neurodegenerative conditions
Recent technological advancements for enhanced visualization of neuropathology
Clinical and preclinical imaging-based trials evaluating interventions that target neuroinflammation or neurodegeneration

We invite Original Research, Review, Perspective, and Methods articles, encompassing both clinical and animal studies, that investigate the neuroinflammatory-neurodegenerative connection with advanced imaging. All submissions must comply with journal formatting and ethical guidelines, deliver transparent methodological reporting for reproducibility, and clearly articulate how imaging advances the understanding of these interconnected processes.