Inflammation is an integral part of many physiological functions triggered in response to pathogen infection or tissue damage. Recently, increasing evidences have shown that the abnormal inflammatory response is closely linked to many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and sjögren's disease.  In these diseases, onset as well as disease course dependent on interactions between different genetic/epigenetic/immunological, and environmental factors. Since that, the pathogenesis of inflammatory dysfunction in autoimmune conditions is also elusive and the knowledge of the mechanisms of inflammation regulation will lead to significant clinical benefits for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Research results open up new strategies for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of a wide range of autoimmune disorders associated with systemic chronic inflammation.

The purpose of this special issue is to bring together experts in the field of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases to investigate precise molecular and cellular mechanisms. In addition, studies that investigate the link between autoimmune disorders and immune regulatory processes controlling chronic inflammation in order to identify novel ideas for diagnosis and treatment in these diseases.

Keywords: Autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, immune regulatory process, epigenetic factors