About this Research Topic
For instance, the mechanisms by which GCs exert immune-suppressive and anti-inflammatory functions remains poorly understood. GCs induce their biological effects by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is responsible for regulating the transcription of genes containing Glucocorticoid Responsive Elements (GRE). In addition, the GR can also physically associate with other transcription factors to modulate a myriad of signaling pathways. With respect to the immune system, the GR may be involved (primarily as monomer) in protein-protein interactions with transcription factors, such as NF-kB, AP1, STATs, IRFs, etc., leading to the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine expression and modulation of related immune-signalling pathways. Another mechanism by which GCs exert anti-inflammatory effects involves transcriptional activation of molecules such as Glucocorticoid-Induced-Leucine-Zipper (GILZ), dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) or annexin-1 (Anx1), which can mediate immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects by interfering with inflammation-activated pathways, such as NF-kB, DUSP1 or the eicosanoid cascade as well as by influencing the maturation and/or proliferation of specific T-cell populations, e.g. regulatory T cells in the case of GILZ.
Based on these considerations, this Research Topic aims to cover the current understanding of and recent advances in research on GCs in regulating inflammation and related immune responses. We welcome the submission of Original Research articles and Reviews with a core immunological focus that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:
(1) Molecular mechanisms of how GCs and GR modulate the immune system
(2) Application of GCs for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, asthma, COPD and rheumatoid arthritis
(3) Studies of the effects and mechanisms of action of GCs in the treatment of diseases and disease models of immune dysfunction
(4) Novel treatment strategies for immune diseases targeting GCs and GR
(5) Immunological mechanisms underlying GC side effects after chronic GC therapy
(6) Resistance to GC treatment in immune diseases developed in cells of the innate and adaptive immune system
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.