Complex human in vitro models in immunology: advancing translational research and disease modelling

This collection will highlight the expanding role of complex human in vitro models in immunology research, with a focus on how these systems improve mechanistic understanding, disease modelling, and translational relevance. It will cover emerging model platforms, including organoids, microphysiological systems, and co-culture approaches, as well as their applications across immune-mediated disease, drug discovery, and safety assessment. The topic is especially timely given the growing momentum behind complex in vitro models and the broader regulatory shift signaled by the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 and recent regulatory guidance. This regulatory milestone emphasizes the critical need for advanced human-relevant systems that can recapitulate pathophysiology of human immune diseases, offering a more physiologically relevant environment than traditional tissue culture and animal models.The goal of this Research Topic is to showcase the transformative impact of complex human in vitro models in immunology, specifically their role in augmenting and ultimately replacing traditional animal models. As researchers embrace the regulatory flexibility provided by the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, it is vital to establish how these sophisticated platforms are being utilized to decode human-specific immune responses, model immune-mediated diseases, and drive targeted drug discovery. By bringing together the latest advancements, this collection aims to highlight how human-centric models further the understanding of the mechanisms of immune diseases as well as accelerate the development of safer and more effective immunotherapeutics.This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Reviews, and Methods articles that focus on the development and application of complex in vitro models in immunology. Contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes are welcome:• Development of immune-competent microphysiological systems (MPS), organoids and organ-on-chip platforms for modelling human immune diseases and inflammatory responses.• Application of complex in vitro models for target validation, screening, immunotherapeutic drug discovery and safety assessment in alignment with the FDA Modernization Act 2.0.• Comparative studies demonstrating the translational superiority or augmenting capabilities of new approach methodologies (NAMs) over traditional cell culture and animal models in immunological contexts.• Integration of patient-derived immune cells with 3D tissue models to advance personalized medicine and predict patient-specific immune and toxicological Topic editors: Viktor Todorovic, Soumya Mitra, Hope Burks, Remi Villenave Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82875/complex-human-in-vitro-models-in-immunology-advancing-translational-research-and-disease-modelling