Pediatric Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders driven by dysregulated immune responses, leading to chronic inflammation and target organ damage. While extensively studied in adults, IMIDs in children — including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus — present unique clinical and biological challenges. The developing immune system, distinct disease phenotypes, and the need to safeguard growth and development demand focused pediatric research.This Research Topic aims to bridge current knowledge gaps by highlighting recent advances in the mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term prognosis of pediatric IMIDs. We invite contributions exploring the underlying immunopathology, early diagnostic biomarkers, novel imaging and laboratory tools, as well as therapeutic strategies ranging from conventional immunomodulators to biologics and small molecule inhibitors. Prognostic studies assessing disease trajectories, remission, relapse, and quality of life are particularly welcome.By assembling cutting-edge research and expert reviews, this issue seeks to improve clinical management and outcomes for children suffering from these debilitating conditions. We welcome original articles, systematic reviews, and case series that address any aspect of pediatric IMIDs.Goal The primary aim of this Research Topic is to advance the understanding and clinical care of pediatric immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Despite overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms with adult IMIDs, children often exhibit distinct disease onset patterns, organ involvement, and responses to therapy. This issue therefore aims to:● Elucidate age-specific mechanisms: Investigate how the immature and maturing immune system contributes to the initiation and perpetuation of inflammation in pediatric IMIDs, including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.● Improve diagnostic accuracy: Promote the development and validation of pediatric-specific diagnostic criteria, biomarkers, and imaging modalities that enable early and precise diagnosis, thereby reducing diagnostic delay and disease-related damage.● Optimize treatment strategies: Share evidence on the efficacy and safety of immunomodulatory and targeted therapies (biologics, JAK inhibitors, etc.) in children, emphasizing treat-to-target approaches, steroid-sparing regimens, and long-term disease modification.● Define prognosis and outcomes: Characterize natural history, predictors of relapse versus remission, and the impact on growth, neurodevelopment, and psychosocial well-being, while identifying risk factors for irreversible organ damage.Ultimately, this special issue aspires to translate immunological insights into better prognostic models and personalized therapeutic plans, improving the quality of life for children living with IMIDs worldwide.Scope and Information for Authors This Research Topic focuses primarily on studies of pediatric immune-mediated inflammatory diseases including pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. To gather further insights in this evolving field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:● Mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of pediatric IMIDs .● Innovative approaches to the diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric IMIDs. ● Breakthroughs in the treatment of pediatric IMIDs, including case reports and real-world data.● Long-term prognosis and outcome measures of pediatric IMIDs.We invite submissions of original research, reviews, systematic reviews, case reports, perspectives, and opinions. Topic editors: Yangyang Luo, Ying Ye, Gabriella Bottari Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80933/pediatric-immune-mediated-inflammatory-diseases-advances-in-pathogenesis-diagnosis-treatment-and-outcomes