Guest Editors
Dr. Jihyun Kim
Email: llissunll@gmail.com
Affiliation: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
Homepage:
Research Interests: neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, innate immunity, neuroimmune interactions, allergic inflammation
Dr. Qi Qi Pang
Email: pangqq@pusan.ac.kr
Affiliation: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
Homepage:
Research Interests: aging, antioxidant mechanisms, cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, natural products
Summary
The gut–brain axis has emerged as a pivotal bidirectional communication network connecting the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. This complex system plays a critical role in regulating neurodevelopment, immune homeostasis, and neuroinflammatory processes. Recent research has underscored its involvement in various neurological disorders, highlighting the gut microbiota's ability to influence brain function and inflammation through immune, endocrine, and metabolic pathways.
This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advances in understanding how molecular interactions within the gut–brain axis contributes to neuroinflammation, and how natural therapeutic strategies may provide novel interventions. By exploring this intricate system at the cellular and molecular levels, we seek to deepen mechanistic insights and inspire innovative therapeutic approaches.
Subtopics of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Molecular mechanisms of gut–brain communication in neuroinflammation
Studies examining how gut-derived signals—such as microbial metabolites, cytokines, and neuroactive compounds—influence central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and glial activation.
2. Microbiota–immune–neural interactions
Research exploring how the gut microbiome and its metabolites shape systemic and neuroimmune responses, including impacts on blood–brain barrier integrity and neurovascular function.
3. Natural bioactive compounds targeting the gut–brain axis
Investigations into the roles of plant-derived polyphenols, probiotics, prebiotics, or dietary components in mitigating neuroinflammation via gut–brain pathways.
4. Signal transduction pathways in glial and neuronal responses
Studies focusing on key molecular cascades, such as NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and MAPK, within the gut–brain–immune network and their involvement in inflammatory signaling.
5. Experimental models of the gut–brain axis and neuroinflammation
Applications of in vitro, organoid, and in vivo models to dissect gut–brain interactions in the context of neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental diseases.
This Special Issue provides a platform for interdisciplinary contributions that integrate molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and nutritional science. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and short communications that advance our understanding of gut–brain–immune interactions and explore the therapeutic potential of natural interventions in managing neuroinflammation.
Keywords
neuroinflammation, gut–brain axis, microbiota, molecular signaling, glial activation, natural therapeutics, polyphenols, probiotics, blood–brain barrier, cytokines
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