Abstract
The Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research (JICR) publishes authoritative peer-reviewed research, analyses, and commentaries on the function of interferons (IFNs), immune cytokines, chemokines, and their gene and cell targets. In this regard, it has come to our attention that immunology research has gained significant momentum in Latin America, driven by a combination of regional health challenges, burgeoning scientific talent, and increased international collaboration. Moreover, Latin American nations face several unique health challenges, including endemic diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, Chagas disease, and various respiratory infections. This region also grapples with the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and autoimmune conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Consequently, immunology research programs in these countries focus strongly on understanding disease mechanisms, vaccine development, and immune responses specific to this diverse environment. Thus, Latin American countries present a unique landscape for immunology studies that promise to enhance global health knowledge.
Research infrastructure in Latin America varies significantly among countries. Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are leading the way, with well-established research institutions and universities devoted to the biomedical sciences. Initiatives by the Brazilian National Research Council and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) in Argentina provides funding and support for scientific research. The future of Latin American biomedical research looks very bright.
In August 2022, we hosted a special issue on “Cytokine Storms,” guest-edited by Mexican scientists Joaquín Zúñiga and José Alberto Choreño-Parra. The issue was a great success, prompting us to further extend the outreach of JICR into Latin American immunology research. Consequently, we have broadened our advisory board to include several new members from the region. These include 3 Brazil-based scientists: Lis RV Antonelli (Fiocruz), Walderez O. Dutra (Federal University of Minas Gerais), and João T. Marques (Federal University of Minas Gerais). Dr. Dutra is the President of the Latin American and Caribbean Association for Immunology. We also recently published an interview with Prof. Jorge Kalil (Professor of Clinical Immunology and Allergy and Director of the Laboratory of Immunology at the Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo [FMUSP], Brazil) entitled “The Challenge of Doing Competitive Translational Research in Brazil,” which appeared online in August 2023. Interestingly, Prof. Kalil commented in his interview that:
“…a country seeking to develop must focus on solving its own problems. It cannot look to the north and say, “What’s the solution?” We have to find our own solutions.”
We are now focusing on a special issue entitled “Latin American Perspectives on Interferon and Cytokine Research: Emerging Trends and Breakthroughs.” This special issue aims to highlight the pivotal role of Latin American researchers in advancing our understanding of IFNs and cytokines. Over the years, researchers from this geographic region have made considerable scientific contributions, often concentrating on how these critical components of the immune system impact disease processes relevant to the Latin American population. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of local and global health challenges and encourage submissions that reflect the diverse and rich scientific environment of Latin America. This forthcoming issue will cover a broad spectrum of topics related to interferon and cytokine research, especially those pertaining to the pathology and treatment of infectious and chronic diseases that are prevalent in Latin American countries.
This special issue will be curated by the following guest editors:
Kenneth J. Gollob, Ph.D.—Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
Walderez O. Dutra, Ph.D.—Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
Lis R. Antonelli, Ph.D.—FIOCRUZ, Instituto Rene Rachou, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
As a preview of this upcoming special issue, the current issue of JICR features 2 articles from Latin American researchers: Amezcua-Guerra et al. on “Cytokine-based Validation of the Inflammation-based Risk Score in Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction” and Sánchez-Zuno et al. on “Distinctive MIF Receptor Patterns and Soluble Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unveiling Key Associations with Disease Activity.”
In summary, the current state of immunology research in Latin American countries is dynamic and evolving. With a focus on both local and global health challenges, an increase in international collaboration, and a commitment to understanding the complexities of immune responses in diverse populations, the region holds great potential to make significant novel contributions to the field of immunology. As researchers in the region continue to build on their successes, the insights gained from their work will not only address Latin America’s unique health challenges but also enhance our global understanding of immunological processes.