Guest Editors
Professor Egor Y. Plotnikov, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia.
Summary
Macrophages, as integral components of the immune system, play multifaceted roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis, responding to infections, and contributing to the progression of various diseases. This special issue will cover a broad spectrum of topics related to macrophages, encompassing their role in immune responses, tissue repair, infection control, and their involvement in diseases such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, and metabolic diseases. Contributions are invited to delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing macrophage behavior, their plasticity, and the impact of the microenvironment on their functions.
-Macrophage Polarization and Functionality: Investigating the molecular basis of macrophage polarization into distinct phenotypes (M1 and M2) and their functional consequences in health and disease.
-Macrophages in Tumor Microenvironment: Exploring the intricate relationship between macrophages and cancer, focusing on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their impact on tumor progression, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression.
-Metabolic Regulation of Macrophages: Understanding how metabolic pathways influence macrophage functions, with implications for diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
-Macrophages in Inflammatory Disorders: Examining the role of macrophages in driving or resolving inflammation in autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
-Macrophages and Infectious Diseases: Highlighting macrophage responses to pathogens, including phagocytosis, intracellular destruction, and the development of memory-like responses.
-Macrophages in Acute Ischemic Diseases: Insights and therapeutic targets for stroke, myocardial infarction, liver injury and kidney ischemia.
-Therapeutic Targeting of Macrophages: Reviewing current and potential therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages in various diseases, including immunotherapies and drug delivery systems.
Authors are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to the understanding of macrophage biology. Interdisciplinary studies combining immunology, cell biology, and pathology are particularly encouraged. This special issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in macrophage research, fostering a deeper understanding of their roles in health and disease. Contributions from researchers and experts in the field will contribute to the collective knowledge base and may pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.
Keywords
inflammation, macrophage polarization, metabolic shift, infections, cancer, ischemia, immunotherapy