Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026

Guest Editor:

Prof. MARIA MADDALENA MARRAPODI  
UNIVERSITY OF CAMPANIA LUIGI VANVITELLI, ITALY

 

Co-Guest Editors:

Jianzhu Liu  
Shandong Agricultural University, China

 

Special Issue Information:

Dear Colleagues,

This special issue of Trends in Immunotherapy is devoted to exploring the emerging interface between immunology and dentistry—a rapidly evolving field where advances in immune-based therapies are reshaping the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases.

The oral cavity is a unique immunological environment, constantly exposed to microbial, dietary, and mechanical stimuli. It harbors a complex immune network that plays a critical role in maintaining tissue integrity and microbial balance. However, dysregulation of these immune mechanisms can lead to or exacerbate a wide range of oral pathologies, including periodontitis, oral lichen planus, mucosal infections, and oral cancers.

This issue brings together cutting-edge research and reviews on immunotherapeutic strategies tailored for dental applications. Topics include immune modulation in periodontal therapy, checkpoint inhibitors for oral squamous cell carcinoma, mucosal vaccine development, and the role of innate and adaptive immunity in oral tissue regeneration. Special emphasis is placed on the microbiome-immune interface and the systemic implications of chronic oral inflammation.

By highlighting the translational potential of immunotherapy in dentistry, this collection aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among immunologists, dental researchers, and clinicians. It underscores the importance of targeting oral immune responses not only to improve dental outcomes but also to address broader systemic health challenges linked to oral inflammation.

Guest Editor(s)
Prof. MARIA MADDALENA MARRAPODI
Jianzhu Liu

Keywords:

• Oral immunotherapy
• Periodontal immunology
• Oral mucosal immunity
• Immune modulation
• Oral microbiome
• Immuno-oncology
• Oral squamous cell carcinoma
• Mucosal vaccines
• Innate immunity
• Adaptive immunity
• Oral inflammation
• Immunopathology
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Regenerative immunotherapy
• Host–microbe interactions