Cytokines are small protein and glycoprotein molecules that are secreted by numerous cells and are a category of signaling molecules used extensively in intercellular communication. They are particularly important in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Due to their central role in the immune system, cytokines are involved in a variety of immunological, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. However, all their functions are not limited to the immune system. These proteins play their role by binding specific cell receptors that either induce or inhibit cytokine-regulated genes. Chemokines are a family of small cytokines or proteins secreted by numerous cells. These proteins are classified according to their molecular structures and the presence of cysteine residues in conserved locations. The major role of chemokines is to guide the migration of particular cells. The gastrointestinal tract is continuously exposed to foreign antigens such as those derived from food and microbiota of gut. Gut flora is an important entity of human body that plays crucial role in healty immune system and various immunological disorders. Exploration of interactions between gut flora and immune system is an important area of current investigations.

We invite researchers to contribute to this special issue in the form of original research papers or reviews that will further strengthen the efforts to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cytokine and chemokine-mediated conditions in gut immunity and inflammation. Also, we are waiting for clinical studies about our potential topics. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• The importance of cytokines and chemokines in intestinal immune system
• Current status of gut-derived cytokines and chemokines in inflammation
• The immunomodulatory properties of commensal bacteria in the gut
• Behavior of intestinal immune system in germ-free animals
• Host cell cytokine and chemokine responses to distinct commensal-associated molecular patterns (CAMPs) of probiotic strains
• Role of gut microbiota in gastrointestinal and immunological diseases
• Cytokines and chemokines in animal models of acute and chronic gastrointestinal inflammation
• Relationship between cytokines, chemokines, and gut microbiota in gastrointestinal inflammation
• Effects of cytokines on gut microbiota
• Cytokines and chemokines in metabolic functions and obesity

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/iji/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/iji/cyto/ according to the following timetable: