Fibrotic disease and the TH1/TH2 paradigm

TA Wynn - Nature Reviews Immunology, 2004 - nature.com
TA Wynn
Nature Reviews Immunology, 2004nature.com
Tissue fibrosis (scarring) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Current treatments for
fibrotic disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis and systemic
sclerosis, target the inflammatory cascade, but they have been widely unsuccessful, largely
because the mechanisms that are involved in fibrogenesis are now known to be distinct from
those involved in inflammation. Several experimental models have recently been developed
to dissect the molecular mechanisms of wound healing and fibrosis. It is hoped that by better …
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis (scarring) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Current treatments for fibrotic disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis and systemic sclerosis, target the inflammatory cascade, but they have been widely unsuccessful, largely because the mechanisms that are involved in fibrogenesis are now known to be distinct from those involved in inflammation. Several experimental models have recently been developed to dissect the molecular mechanisms of wound healing and fibrosis. It is hoped that by better understanding the immunological mechanisms that initiate, sustain and suppress the fibrotic process, we will achieve the elusive goal of targeted and effective therapeutics for fibroproliferative diseases.
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