Inflammation unites diverse acute and chronic diseases

Inflammation and immunity contribute pivotally to diverse acute and chronic diseases. Inflammatory pathways have become increasingly targets for therapy. Yet, despite substantial similarity in mechanisms and pathways, the scientific, medical, pharma and biotechnology sectors have generally focused programs finely on a single disease entity or organ system. This insularity may impede progress in innovation and the harnessing of powerful new insights into inflammation biology ripe for clinical translation.

A multidisciplinary thinktank reviewed highlights how inflammation contributes to diverse diseases, disturbed homeostasis, ageing and impaired healthspan. We explored how common inflammatory and immune mechanisms that operate in key conditions in their respective domains. This consensus review highlights the high degree of commonality of inflammatory mechanisms in a diverse array of conditions that together contribute a major part of the global burden of morbidity and mortality and present an enormous challenge to public health and drain on resources.

We demonstrate how that shared inflammatory mechanisms unite many seemingly disparate diseases, both acute and chronic. The examples of infection, cardiovascular conditions, pulmonary diseases, rheumatological disorders, dementia, cancer and ageing illustrate the overlapping pathogenesis. We outline opportunities to synergize, reduce duplication and consolidate efforts of the clinical, research and pharmaceutical communities. Enhanced recognition of these commonalties should promote cross-fertilization and hasten progress in this rapidly moving domain.

Greater appreciation of the shared mechanisms should simplify understanding seemingly disparate diseases for clinicians and help them to recognize inflammation as a therapeutic target which the development of novel therapies is rendering actionable.