Last Updated on July 1, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
JOURNAL METRICS·Updated June 2026
Nature Reviews Immunology Impact Factor 2025 is 47.1 (Q1, IMMUNOLOGY, SCIE). Published by Springer Nature. Acceptance rate <15% (very selective). Full JCR data, desk rejection analysis, and submission guide.
Nature Reviews Immunology is a leading journal published by Springer Nature, with a 2025 impact factor of 47.1 and a Q1 ranking in the IMMUNOLOGY category. This comprehensive guide examines Nature Reviews Immunology’s bibliometric indicators, editorial standards, scope, submission requirements, and strategic advice for prospective authors.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2025) | 47.1 |
| JCR Quartile | Q1 |
| WoS Category | IMMUNOLOGY |
| H-Index | 349 |
| SJR | 13.87 |
| Total Citations | 69,495 |
| ISSN | 1474-1733 |
| Publisher | Springer Nature |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Open Access | Hybrid (subscription and open access) |
| APC | $11,390 / €9,500 / £8,290 |
| Review Time | 4–8 weeks |
| Acceptance Rate | <15% (very selective) |
Quick Overview: Nature Reviews Immunology holds a 2025 impact factor of 47.1, ranking in Q1 within the IMMUNOLOGY category. Published by Springer Nature, this monthly journal maintains an h-index of 349 and has accumulated 69,495 total citations. The APC is $11,390 / €9,500 / £8,290 for open access publication.
JOURNAL OVERVIEWAbout Nature Reviews Immunology
Nature Reviews Immunology is a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Springer Nature from the United Kingdom. Led by Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Flemming, the journal publishes authoritative Review Articles, Perspectives, and Comments that provide comprehensive analyses of important developments across adaptive immunity, innate immunity, immunological memory, autoimmunity, tumor immunology, vaccine development, immunotherapy, immune regulation, and mucosal immunology.
Established as part of the Nature Reviews/Nature Research portfolio, Nature Reviews Immunology has become an essential publication venue for researchers seeking to understand the current state and future directions of immunology. The journal’s content spans fundamental discoveries through translational applications, with particular emphasis on topics of broad interest to the scientific community.
The journal has published landmark papers including breakthroughs in checkpoint inhibitor mechanisms, CAR-T cell therapy advances, innate lymphoid cell biology, and vaccine platform technologies. These contributions have shaped research trajectories and informed policy decisions in the field.
IMPACT FACTORNature Reviews Immunology Impact Factor 2025
The 2025 impact factor of Nature Reviews Immunology is 47.1, as reported in the 2026 Journal Citation Reports (JCR) released by Clarivate Analytics in June 2026. This figure represents the ratio of citations received in 2025 to citable items published in 2023 and 2024.
The impact factor is calculated as follows: all citations in 2025 referencing articles published in Nature Reviews Immunology during 2023–2024 are divided by the total number of research articles, reviews, and other citable content published in those two years. This metric serves as a widely used proxy for journal influence within the IMMUNOLOGY discipline.
With an impact factor of 47.1, Nature Reviews Immunology ranks among the highest-impact journals in the IMMUNOLOGY category, reflecting its position as a premier venue for publishing influential research.
TREND ANALYSISImpact Factor Trend (5-Year History)
Over the past five years, Nature Reviews Immunology has demonstrated strong citation performance characteristic of leading Nature Portfolio journals. The journal’s impact factor trajectory reflects its consistent publication of high-influence review articles and timely perspectives that shape research directions.
Nature Portfolio journals have historically shown citation stability due to their selective editorial policies and focus on publishing content with broad significance. Nature Reviews Immunology’s 47.1 impact factor for 2025 reinforces its standing as a destination for field-defining research.
Several factors contribute to the journal’s strong citation metrics: the Nature brand recognition attracts high-quality submissions; the editorial team actively commissions articles on emerging topics; and the review format generates comprehensive, highly-citable scholarly content.
JCR CATEGORYWeb of Science Category
Nature Reviews Immunology is classified in the IMMUNOLOGY category within the Web of Science Core Collection. The journal’s 47.1 impact factor places it in the Q1 quartile, indicating it ranks in the top 25% of all journals indexed in this category.
The IMMUNOLOGY category encompasses journals publishing research on the theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of the field. Journals in this category vary in scope from specialized disciplinary publications to broad interdisciplinary venues like Nature Reviews Immunology.
QUARTILE RANKINGQ1 Ranking Explained
Nature Reviews Immunology holds a Q1 ranking in the IMMUNOLOGY category, meaning it falls within the top 25% of journals based on impact factor. Q1 status is a significant indicator of journal prestige and is frequently used by academic institutions and funding agencies to evaluate publication quality.
The quartile calculation divides all journals in a category into four equal groups (Q1–Q4) based on their impact factor. Only journals in the top 25% receive Q1 designation. Nature Reviews Immunology’s position in this tier reflects its influence and citation performance relative to peer publications.
INDEXINGWhere Nature Reviews Immunology is Indexed
Nature Reviews Immunology is indexed in the following major academic databases: SCIE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI. Inclusion in SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded) enables the journal’s impact factor calculation through Clarivate’s Journal Citation Reports.
Scopus indexing provides additional citation tracking through CiteScore metrics, while Web of Science coverage ensures visibility to researchers performing systematic literature reviews. The journal’s presence across multiple databases supports broad discoverability of published content.
Indexing in these databases requires journals to meet quality standards including peer review rigor, editorial oversight, citation ethics, and publishing regularity. Nature Reviews Immunology’s sustained inclusion demonstrates ongoing compliance with these requirements.
SCOPE & AIMSWhat Does Nature Reviews Immunology Publish?
Nature Reviews Immunology publishes Review Articles that provide authoritative, balanced surveys of recent developments across adaptive immunity, innate immunity, immunological memory, autoimmunity, tumor immunology, vaccine development, immunotherapy, immune regulation, and mucosal immunology. The journal also publishes Perspectives offering opinion and analysis on topical issues, Comments addressing policy or ethical considerations, and Research Highlights summarizing important primary research findings.
The editorial team commissions the majority of review content, ensuring coverage of timely and significant topics. Unsolicited proposals are also considered, particularly for emerging or rapidly evolving areas. All submitted manuscripts undergo external peer review by experts in the relevant field.
Content published in Nature Reviews Immunology is designed to be accessible to a broad scientific audience, not just specialists. Articles typically provide historical context, summarize current understanding, identify open questions, and discuss future research directions.
PEER COMPARISONHow Nature Reviews Immunology Compares to Other Journals
The following table compares Nature Reviews Immunology with other leading Nature Portfolio journals across key bibliometric indicators:
| Journal | Impact Factor | Quartile | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | 50.5 | Q1 | MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES |
| Nature Reviews Materials | 83.3 | Q1 | MATERIALS SCIENCE |
| Nature Energy | 70.1 | Q1 | ENERGY & FUELS |
| Nature Reviews Microbiology | 104.6 | Q1 | MICROBIOLOGY |
| Nature Reviews Genetics | 51.4 | Q1 | GENETICS & HEREDITY |
ACCEPTANCE RATEHow Selective is Nature Reviews Immunology?
The acceptance rate of Nature Reviews Immunology is estimated at <15% (very selective). As a premier review journal in the Nature Portfolio, it maintains highly selective editorial standards. Most articles are editor-commissioned, meaning the editorial team identifies topics and invites leading experts to contribute.
For unsolicited proposals, authors should submit a detailed proposal outlining the topic’s significance, the intended audience, and how the proposed review differs from existing coverage. The editorial team evaluates proposals based on timeliness, scope, and potential impact before inviting full manuscript submission.
The journal’s selectivity is reflected in its strong citation metrics. Each published article undergoes multiple rounds of peer review and editorial revision to ensure accuracy, balance, and clarity.
REVIEW TIMELINEPeer Review Speed
The peer review process at Nature Reviews Immunology typically takes 4–8 weeks. This timeline encompasses initial editorial screening (1–2 weeks), external peer review (2–4 weeks), author revision, and final editorial decision.
After acceptance, articles enter a production queue for copyediting, typesetting, and proofing. Published articles appear online within 2–4 weeks of acceptance. Nature Reviews Immunology publishes monthly issues, with articles assigned to the next available issue following online publication.
APC & FEESArticle Processing Charge
Nature Reviews Immunology is a hybrid journal offering both subscription and open access publication options. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for open access is $11,390 / €9,500 / £8,290 (excluding taxes).
APC waivers and discounts are available for corresponding authors based in countries classified by the Research4Life program (Group A and B). Authors should contact the editorial office to inquire about waiver eligibility during the submission process.
For subscription articles, no APC is charged. These articles are accessible to subscribers and institutional libraries. Authors may also deposit accepted manuscripts in institutional repositories after an embargo period.
REFERENCE STYLEFormatting Guidelines
Nature Reviews Immunology uses the standard Nature referencing style. References should be numbered sequentially in the order they appear in the text. In-text citations use superscript numbers corresponding to the reference list.
Journal article references should include: author names (surname followed by initials), article title, abbreviated journal name (italicized), volume (bold), page numbers, and year in parentheses. Online-only references should include a DOI.
Authors should ensure all references are complete, accurate, and properly formatted. Reference management software (EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley) typically includes the Nature style for automated formatting.
AUTHOR GUIDANCEWho Should Publish in Nature Reviews Immunology?
Nature Reviews Immunology is appropriate for established researchers who can provide comprehensive, authoritative reviews of significant topics in immunology. The journal particularly seeks contributions from:
- Leading researchers with extensive publication records in the topic area
- Principal investigators managing large research programs
- Scientists whose work bridges multiple disciplines
- Researchers addressing emerging or rapidly evolving fields
Given the journal’s high impact factor and Q1 ranking, publication in Nature Reviews Immunology can significantly enhance a researcher’s visibility and citation profile. However, the selective nature of the journal means authors should have substantial expertise and a track record of influential publications.
KEY TAKEAWAYSEssential Points for Authors
Key Takeaways
- Impact Factor 47.1 (Q1): Nature Reviews Immunology ranks in the top quartile of immunology journals, making it one of the most influential venues in the field.
- Highly Selective: With an acceptance rate of <15% (very selective), most content is editor-commissioned. Unsolicited proposals require strong justification.
- APC: $11,390 / €9,500 / £8,290 for open access; waivers available for eligible authors from developing countries.
- Review Time: Expect 4–8 weeks from submission to decision.
- Content Focus: Review Articles and Perspectives covering adaptive immunity, innate immunity, immunological memory, autoimmunity, tumor immunology, vaccine development, immunotherapy, immune regulation, and mucosal immunology.
- H-Index 349: The journal has published 349 highly-cited articles, demonstrating sustained impact.
SUBMISSION TIPSStrategic Advice for Authors
- Propose before submitting: Contact the editorial office with a detailed proposal before preparing a full manuscript. Outline the topic’s significance, target audience, and unique contribution.
- Demonstrate expertise: Highlight your publication record in the proposed topic area. Include recent first-author or senior-author papers in high-impact journals.
- Focus on timeliness: Propose topics that are currently generating significant research activity or debate. The editorial team prioritizes coverage of emerging fields.
- Provide comprehensive coverage: Commissioned reviews should cover historical context, current state-of-the-art, open questions, and future directions.
- Ensure visual quality: Include high-quality figures, summary boxes, and timelines that enhance reader comprehension.
- Respond thoroughly to reviews: Address all reviewer comments comprehensively. Revise figures and text to improve clarity and balance.
FREQUENTLY ASKEDFAQ
DATA SOURCESSources
- Journal Citation Reports (JCR) 2026, Clarivate Analytics
- Nature Reviews Immunology Official Website, Springer Nature
- Scopus and SCImago Journal & Country Rank
- Web of Science Core Collection
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