Acute inflammation is generally self-limited. However, if acute inflammation fails to be resolved, chronic inflammation can persist. The innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as structural cells, modulate the length and intensity of inflammatory responses. Aberrant immune responses, including those induced by allergens, environmental pollutants, infectious agents, acids, and other noxious stimuli, promote excessive leukocyte recruitment, the production of proinflammatory cytokines, lipids mediators, and chemokines which are critical to initiate and maintain the inflammatory process. Lipids mediators, derived from the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which include leukotrienes and prostaglandins (PGs), are potent enhancers of innate and adaptive immune activity and are implicated in numerous inflammatory disorders. Yet certain PGs, such as PGD2 and PGE2, demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, lipoxins, derived from the omega-6 PUFA arachidonic acid, not only harbor potent anti-inflammatory activity but also promote the resolution of inflammation. Complete resolution of inflammatory responses is critical for human health. Resolution is an active process that is regulated, in part, by specialized proresolving mediators such as the omega-3 PUFA derived resolvins, maresins, and protectins. These biochemical mediators signal through distinct receptors to both dampen inflammation and promote resolution.

In this special issue of BioMed Research International, we take a particular interest in manuscripts highlighting novel aspects of lipid mediators as modulators of inflammation and the resolution of inflammation. Reviews and original papers of clinical, preclinical, or experimental studies of lipid mediators that modify immune responses for therapeutic purposes are also welcome. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• The involvement of lipids in infectious and/or chronic inflammatory disorders
• Lipid mediators as promising targets for therapeutics
• Lipids mediators modulating the innate and adaptive immune system
• Biosynthesis and metabolism of lipids mediators
• The role of lipid mediators on inflammation and resolution of inflammation
• Modulation of inflammation by lipids mediators
• Preclinical and clinical studies on the use of lipid mediators in acute and chronic inflammation

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/bmri/pharmacology/trlm/ according to the following timetable: