Non-immune cells in host defense against pathogens

Non-immune cells play a crucial and often underappreciated role in host defense against invading pathogens. Beyond serving as passive physical barriers, cells such as epithelial and endothelial cells actively participate in innate immune responses. These cells express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors, which enable them to detect microbial components and initiate rapid defense mechanisms. Upon activation, non-immune cells secrete antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, and chemokines that help control pathogen growth and recruit professional immune cells to sites of infection. They also contribute to maintaining tissue integrity and regulating inflammatory responses to prevent excessive damage. Increasing evidence highlights that dysfunction in these cells can contribute to susceptibility to infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.The goal of this research topic is to define how non-immune cells contribute to host defense against pathogens and how these mechanisms can be harnessed therapeutically. Although increasingly recognized as active participants in innate immunity, key gaps remain in understanding how these cells detect pathogens, regulate antimicrobial responses, and interact with immune cells across tissues. This work will focus on identifying critical signaling pathways and effector functions in non-immune cells. Recent advances in single-cell technologies, organoid systems, and spatial profiling offer new opportunities to study these processes in detail. Ultimately, this research aims to uncover novel targets to enhance host defense and improve treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases.This Research Topic aims to highlight emerging insights into the roles of non-immune cells in host defense against pathogens. We welcome submissions addressing the mechanisms by which epithelial, endothelial, and other tissue-resident cells sense and respond to microbial challenges, including the involvement of pattern recognition receptors and downstream signaling pathways. Topics of interest include antimicrobial peptide production, cytokine and chemokine responses, maintenance of barrier integrity, and crosstalk with immune cells. We particularly encourage studies employing advanced technologies such as single-cell omics, organoids, and spatial profiling to uncover tissue-specific responses. Contributions exploring the dysregulation of non-immune cell–mediated defenses in infectious and inflammatory diseases, as well as potential therapeutic strategies, are also highly encouraged. Both original research articles and reviews are welcome. Topic editors: WENZHE HO, Qingsheng Li Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80401/non-immune-cells-in-host-defense-against-pathogens