New Frontiers in Autoimmunity – 15th International Congress on Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases constitute one of the most pressing global health challenges, affecting hundreds of millions of individuals and encompassing more than 80 distinct disorders. Despite major progress in identifying genetic, epigenetic and environmental contributors, the mechanisms underpinning loss of self-tolerance, disease heterogeneity and resistance to therapy remain only partly understood. Recent studies have highlighted the role of innate and adaptive immune dysfunction, microbiome interactions and post-infectious autoimmunity, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and vaccine responses. Yet current diagnostics and treatment paradigms often fail to capture disease complexity or deliver lasting remission. The 15th International Congress on Autoimmunity 2026, convened in Prague under the theme Empowering Change Through Collaboration, brought together global experts to address these knowledge gaps through multidisciplinary research spanning basic immunology, clinical science, and translational therapeutics. However, the need persists for a comprehensive and open-access platform to consolidate and extend these discussions into enduring scientific contributions.This Research Topic aims to showcase the latest advances presented at, and inspired by, the 2026 Congress, uniting novel experimental, clinical and technological perspectives that drive the future of autoimmune disease understanding and management. The objective is to deepen insight into molecular mechanisms of tolerance breakdown; improve diagnostic precision through biomarkers, data science and imaging; and accelerate the development of safe, personalized interventions. Key questions include how immune perturbations translate into organ-specific pathology, which molecular pathways offer viable therapeutic targets, and how multi-omics and AI technologies can refine patient stratification and early intervention strategies. By bridging theoretical and clinical research, this Research Topic seeks to strengthen collaborative frameworks that translate discovery into tangible benefit for patients worldwide.To gather further insights into the evolving landscape of autoimmune disease research, we welcome contributions across molecular, diagnostic, and therapeutic disciplines. Submissions may include original research, reviews, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and perspectives addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases• Genetics, epigenetics, and gene–environment interactions• Innate immunity, Toll-like receptors, and type I interferons• B and T regulatory cell biology and immune tolerance mechanisms• Infection, microbiome, and post-COVID autoimmunity• Diagnostic biomarkers and AI-assisted prediction models• Precision and personalized medicine in autoimmune disorders• Autoimmunity in oncology and checkpoint inhibitor-related phenomena• Advanced and emerging therapies, including CAR-T and B-cell depletion• Lifestyle, diet, and environmental modulation of autoimmune activity• Reproductive health, sex hormones, and immune regulation across the lifespanSubmissions from presenters and participants at the International Congress on Autoimmunity 2026 are especially encouraged, although contributions from all researchers working within the autoimmune field are warmly welcomed. Topic editors: Yehuda Julyus Shoenfeld, DIMITRIOS PETROU BOGDANOS Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82247/new-frontiers-in-autoimmunity---15th-international-congress-on-autoimmunity