Role of Gut Microbiota in Immune Tolerance and Vaccine Development

Dear Colleagues,

Immune tolerance, also known as immunological tolerance, refers to a state of active and highly regulated unresponsiveness of the immune system to self-antigens or a specific antigen that can induce an immune response in the body. It plays a crucial role in normal physiology, and deficiencies in tolerance can lead to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes.

In recent years, considerable progress has been made in immune tolerance research, particularly in the fields of immunotherapy, immunomodulation, and immune system regulation. However, challenges persist due to incomplete knowledge of the exact mechanisms, a lack of suitable research models, and limited access to clinical data, making it difficult to develop effective treatments for diverse immune tolerance-related disorders.

This Special Issue will specifically address (but is not limited to) the following two topics:

1. Cellular Aspects of Immune Tolerance in Health and Diseases: The Role of Immune Cell Subtypes and Their Crosstalk.

Immune tolerance involves interactions among various immune cell subtypes, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Crosstalk between these immune cell subtypes regulates the development of immune tolerance, enabling the body to recognize and accept self-antigens without triggering an immune response.

2. The Role of Commensal Microbiota in Immune Tolerance and Vaccines.

Microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria in and on the body, play a vital role. Diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, asthma, and diabetes are linked to changes in microbiome composition. Commensal bacteria can reduce inflammation, downregulate pro-inflammatory responses, and enhance vaccine efficacy. Furthermore, they stimulate the production of protective antibodies, increasing vaccine effectiveness.

We welcome all types of articles, including original research, comprehensive and systematic reviews, brief reports, etc., for this Special Issue. We eagerly anticipate receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Sin-Hyeog Im
Guest Editor

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• immune tolerance
• subtype of immune cells
• microbiome
• probiotics
• T cells
• B cells
• dendritic cells
• antigen-presenting cells