Among a wide spectrum of medical fields, immune system modulation and oxidative stress represent a current research trend of increasing interest. Pancreatic disorders are a group of severe abdominal diseases, often associated with several complications, with a high worldwide prevalence. Their incidence remains high despite screening methods becoming more effective and despite a significant increase in our knowledge of the pathology of these disorders. Oxidative stress is one of the most important pathways involved in these disorders, and immune system modulation is also directly involved. Little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the onset and progression of these diseases.

While the relationship between these two is not currently fully understood, multiple studies have emphasised the important contribution of immune system modulation and oxidative stress in pancreatic disorders. However, they are not only involved in processes associated with damage. Oxidative stress is associated with the redox state, which constitutes an important mechanism in many physiological processes, such as adaptations to cell signalling and hypothalamic regulation of appetite. Regarding inflammatory mediators, it is also known that they are essential in mechanisms implicated in pancreatic disorders. The existence of a relationship between immune system modulation and oxidative stress in pancreatic disorders is undoubtable, but a more thorough approach in this topic would be extremely useful to understand clearly the mechanistic pathways and to create a solid basis for potential prevention or treatment strategies. However, when these two phenomena are deregulated, their action is harmful.

The main aim of this Special Issue is to define an integrative mechanistic model for a clearer understanding of the relationship between immune system modulation and oxidative stress in pancreatic disorders. We look to answer multiple questions, such as when and how oxidative stress and inflammation should be blocked, if single nucleotide polymorphisms are implicated in the evolution and prognosis of pancreatic disorders, and if diet is the best therapy for controlling oxidative stress and inflammation. Papers addressing the reasons why some patients develop mild acute pancreatitis and others severe, and whether these responses depend on individual susceptibility or external influences are also welcome. We welcome both original research and review articles.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• The role of immune system modulation in pancreatic disorders
• Oxidative stress and acute pancreatitis
• Genetic factors implicated in pancreatic disorder evolution
• Immune system modulation and chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic carcinogenesis and immune system modulation
• Oxidative stress and pancreatic carcinogenesis