Affiliation:
1. Division of Molecular Regulation of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2669 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-0022, Japan
Abstract
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a disease in which excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation occurs in the lungs, which induces thickening of the alveolar walls, ultimately leading to the destruction of alveolar structures and respiratory failure. Idiopathic PF, the cause of which is unknown, has a poor prognosis with a median survival of 2–4 years after diagnosis. There is currently no known curative treatment. The mechanism underlying PF is thought to be initiated by the dysfunction of type II alveolar epithelial cells, which leads to ECM overproduction through the activation of fibroblasts. In addition, it has been suggested that a variety of cells contribute to fibrotic processes. In particular, clinical and basic research findings examining the roles of macrophages suggest that they may be pivotal regulators of PF. In this review, we discuss the characteristics, functions and origins of subsets of macrophages involved in PF, including resident alveolar, interstitial and monocyte-derived macrophages.
Funder
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Immunology,General Medicine,Immunology and Allergy
Cited by
52 articles.
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