Introduction for the special issue on "Tissue Barriers in Inflammation"

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Physiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Endothelial and epithelial cells form critical barriers in organs and tissues.
• Understanding barrier function is vital for maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding to injury or infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present recent advances in the barrier function of endothelial and epithelial cells.
• To provide expert insights into permeability, homeostasis, and responses to injury/infection.
• To highlight specific research on respiratory and intestinal epithelial cell function.

Main Methods:

• Expert reviews and invited commentaries on barrier function.
• Inclusion of four original research articles.
• Focus on endothelial and epithelial cell biology.

Main Results:

• Compilation of current knowledge on organ and tissue barrier permeability.
• Insights into cellular mechanisms of homeostasis and injury response.
• Specific findings on respiratory and intestinal epithelial cell function.

Conclusions:

• Advances in understanding endothelial and epithelial cell barrier function are presented.
• The special issue highlights critical questions and common themes in barrier biology.
• Research articles offer specific insights into epithelial cell roles in different tissues.