Shared mechanisms of inflammation in skin and lung diseases

Both the skin and the lungs function as barrier organs that are continuously exposed to the external environment. Disruption of epithelial or epidermal integrity initiates the release of alarmins—including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin-25 (IL-25), and interleukin-33 (IL-33)—which in turn promote type 2 immune activation characterized by the production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. This inflammatory cascade underpins diseases such as atopic dermatitis and asthma. Barrier dysfunction and T-helper 2 (Th2) polarization represent common pathogenic drivers in both organ systems, highlighting shared mechanisms of disease initiation and progression.Sustained injury and chronic inflammation in the skin and lungs—exemplified by conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—lead to persistent fibroblast activation and pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Key pro-fibrotic signaling pathways implicated in these processes include Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/SMAD, and IL-4/IL-13-mediated Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (JAK/STAT6) signaling. These pathways contribute to aberrant alveolar repair, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation, and excessive collagen deposition, ultimately resulting in fibrotic tissue remodeling and loss of organ function. Elucidating the molecular commonalities between inflammatory and fibrotic responses in skin and lung pathologies is essential for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.This Research Topic invites contributions that offer novel mechanistic insights into acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin and lungs, with an emphasis on shared pathways and the transition from acute injury to chronic disease or repair. We welcome submissions that identify new therapeutic targets and advance the understanding of disease pathogenesis. Both clinical and experimental studies are encouraged, including original research articles, critical reviews, and short commentaries. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:- Acute and chronic inflammatory conditions of the skin and lungs- Overlapping molecular and cellular mechanisms in skin and lung disease- Impact of environmental exposures on barrier integrity and immune responses- The role of the microbiome and metabolic factors in disease modulation- Epigenetic regulation of inflammation and tissue remodeling- Application of novel technologies to investigate disease mechanisms- Commentaries on groundbreaking discoveries and emerging research tools Topic editors: Bernhard RYFFEL, Remo Castro Russo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77503/shared-mechanisms-of-inflammation-in-skin-and-lung-diseases