Abstract
The Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research (JICR) provides authoritative peer-reviewed research, analysis, and commentary on the function of interferons (IFNs), cytokines, and chemokines. All areas of IFN and cytokine research are covered, including (1) the gene and cell targets that mediate IFN and cytokine effector functions, (2) the therapeutic or pathogenic outcomes of IFN and cytokine regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, (3) the analysis of IFN and cytokines in health and disease, and (4) current findings on emerging topics relevant to cytokines and IFNs, including systems, computational, and structural biology. Consistent with this area of focus, the JICR has a strong relationship with the International Cytokine & Interferon Society.
I am pleased to report that the journal is on a very positive trajectory. In the past year, the impact factor (IF) of JICR increased to 3.657—an increase of 40% over the 2020 IF of 2.607. The 2021 CiteScore for the journal also jumped nicely to 4.9 from 3.8, a 29% increase. In other good news, year-on-year downloads are up by 26% from where we were a year ago and now stand at 47,485. Turnaround times have decreased drastically, from 43 average days from submission to first decision in 2021 to 13 days in 2022.
Another highlight of 2022 was the publication of a special issue on “Cytokine Storms” that was guest edited by Joaquín Zúñiga, PhD and José Alberto Choreño-Parra, MD, PhD. The issue featured articles addressing some of the fundamental aspects of cytokine storms and the implications of specific immune mediators in the pathobiology, development of serious manifestations, and sequela of infectious diseases. Owing to the great impact on public health, most of the articles focused on the cytokine storm syndrome of COVID-19.
In the coming years, there are plans to further develop the journal through the following features: Special issues edited by leading scientists in the field that compile exciting research on cutting-edge topics. Interviews, commentaries, and round table discussions that offer novel insights into the views and perspectives of leading scientists in the field. High-quality reviews that compile data, ideas, and concepts from fast-moving areas of research. The publication of “Festshrifts” focuses on the careers of outstanding scientists who are leaders in the field.
As such, the JICR is a central forum for leading investigators worldwide, presenting cutting-edge research and critical information on the IFN and cytokine field. We welcome all quantitative and qualitative article submissions, including clinical and genomic studies. Information about the types of articles published in JICR and submission guidance can be found in our detailed instructions for authors.
As the editor-in-chief of the journal, I hope that you will join me as an active participant by submitting articles, signing up to be a reviewer (please be sure to add keywords to your profile!), registering to receive email alerts, and subscribing or recommending the journal to your organization or institution. Subscribers can expect the highest journalistic standards ensuring the integrity of our articles, responsiveness to requests, the best in electronic access, and a vigilance to publish the best new research in the IFN and cytokine field. In summary, I am confident that JICR will continue to be the “go-to” journal for researchers, clinicians, and students worldwide.