Decoding immune networks in autoimmunity: from barrier sensing to targeted immunotherapy

The field of autoimmune disease research has undergone significant transformation as the intricacies of immune regulation and tissue-specific responses have come into focus. While traditional paradigms emphasized the centrality of adaptive immunity—particularly autoreactive T and B lymphocytes—in driving autoimmunity, recent findings reveal an indispensable role for innate immune mechanisms, barrier tissues, and environmental triggers in disease onset and progression. Chronic autoimmune conditions continue to challenge conventional therapies, spotlighting the unmet need for a holistic understanding of immune circuits that integrate early sensing, tissue microenvironments, and intercellular communication. Despite major advances, the interplay between diverse immune cell types, local tissue factors, and pathogenic triggers remains incompletely described, limiting the efficacy of current interventions and highlighting gaps in our conceptual frameworks.This Research Topic aims to redefine approaches to autoimmunity by merging in-depth mechanistic analysis of immune dysregulation with progress in precision immunotherapy. By focusing on upstream events—including the contributions of tissue-resident and innate immune cells, the impact of viral and environmental triggers, and the crosstalk between various immune compartments—the collection seeks to unravel the complex networks that initiate and sustain autoimmune pathology. A particular emphasis will be placed on identifying how therapeutic innovations, such as CAR-T cell therapies, antigen-specific tolerance, and immune reprogramming, can strategically target pathogenic circuits without compromising host defense. Through the integration of basic and translational perspectives, this initiative aspires to accelerate the identification of novel intervention points and to inform the design of disease-modifying therapies.Submissions will be considered that explore immune circuit dynamics and precision therapies across different autoimmune contexts. The scope is defined broadly to include both mechanistic and translational studies but is focused on the interplay between immune sensing, tissue specificity, and innovative intervention strategies. To gather further insights in autoimmune circuit mechanisms and therapeutic targeting, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- The role of innate immune cells—such as mast cells and eosinophils—in autoimmunity- Immunological functions of barrier tissues (lung, liver, gut) in disease initiation and propagation- Viral and environmental factors as triggers or amplifiers of autoimmune responses- Mechanisms of immune cell cross-talk and interactions within the tissue microenvironment- Approaches for antigen-specific immunotherapy, including next-generation CAR-T and CAAR-T cell strategies- Pathways governing immune tolerance and the resolution of chronic inflammation- Translational and preclinical models elucidating mechanisms and testing novel therapeutics in autoimmunityWe particularly encourage original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that bridge fundamental immunological insights with the development and clinical translation of targeted therapies.Please note that Dr. Roopa Nanjundappa is a Founding Scientist and Scientific Strategy Lead at KynLiv Immunotech, a biotechnology company. This role may represent a potential competing interest if a submitted manuscript involves technologies, products, intellectual property, or research areas related to the company’s activities. She will disclose any specific conflicts and recuse herself from handling manuscripts where her impartiality could reasonably be questioned. Also, Dr. Roland Ruscher is a Principal Investigator on Industry/R&D related research for Macrobiome Therapeutics, including funding from Macrobiome Therapeutics. He's also an investigator on multiple patents relating to anti-inflammatory compounds. Topic editors: Roopa Nanjundappa, Roland Ruscher Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84683/decoding-immune-networks-in-autoimmunity-from-barrier-sensing-to-targeted-immunotherapy