What is this collection about? 

Neurodegenerative diseases are disorders in which neurons gradually lose function or die, leading to progressive cognitive, motor, and/or behavioral decline. These conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia. As populations age and mortality from other diseases declines, neurodegenerative diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent, with overlapping symptoms that complicate early diagnosis. 

In this cross-journal Collection, editors at Nature Neuroscience, Nature Immunology, Nature Communications, and Communications Medicine aim to bring together cutting-edge research exploring the mechanistic and diagnostic intersections between immune dysregulation and neuronal decline. We invite submissions that investigate the complex immunopathology underlying neurodegeneration, including the roles of microglia and peripheral immune cells, and the molecular pathways linking innate and adaptive immune responses to neuronal vulnerability. 

The Collection also welcomes research on innovations in biomarker discovery, such as biofluid-based signatures, spatial molecular profiling, and high-resolution neuroimaging approaches. By publishing both pre-clinical and clinical studies, this Collection aims to support earlier detection, more precise disease stratification, and the development of targeted interventions. 

Why is this collection important? 

Understanding the role of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases is an emerging frontier that is reshaping how these conditions are studied and treated. Immune dysregulation is increasingly recognized not only as a contributor to disease progression but also as a potential driver of disease onset in certain conditions. 

This Collection is particularly timely as advances in neuroscience and immunology converge to provide new insights into disease mechanisms and diagnostic approaches. By bringing together interdisciplinary research, it aims to accelerate progress towards earlier diagnosis and more effective, targeted therapies. 

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – Good Health and Well-being, by advancing understanding and treatment of diseases that significantly impact ageing populations worldwide. 

Why submit to a collection? 

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by In-House Editors who are experts in their fields and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest. 

Who is involved? 

Communications Medicine is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members. 

Nature Neuroscience is edited by in-house professional editors. 

Nature Immunology is edited by in-house professional editors. 

Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors. 

Our editors work closely together to ensure the quality of our published papers and consistency in author experience. 

How can I submit my paper? 

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.