Regulatory mechanisms of macrophage–myofibroblast transdifferentiation: A potential therapeutic strategy for fibrosis

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2024-12, Vol.737, p.150915, Article 150915
• Main Authors: Zhang, Junchao, Huang, Jinfa, Yang, Qian, Zeng, Lingling, Deng, Kaixian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Transdifferentiation; Fibrosis; Humans; Macrophages - cytology; Macrophages - metabolism; Macrophages - pathology; Macrophage–myofibroblast transdifferentiation; Myofibroblasts - cytology; Myofibroblasts - metabolism; Myofibroblasts - pathology; Regulatory mechanisms
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150915

Macrophage–myofibroblast transdifferentiation (MMT), a fibrotic process impacting diverse tissue types, has garnered recent scholarly interest. Within damaged tissues, the role of myofibroblasts is pivotal in the accumulation of excessive fibrous connective tissue, leading to persistent scarring or organ dysfunction. Consequently, the examination of MMT-related fibrosis is imperative. This review underscores MMT as a fundamental mechanism in myofibroblast generation during tissue fibrosis, and its exploration is crucial for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms underlying this process. Gaining insight into these mechanisms promises to facilitate the development of therapeutic approaches aimed at inhibiting and reversing fibrosis, thereby offering potential avenues for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. •MMT participates in the process of fibrosis.•MMT cells have characteristic immunophenotypes and functions.•The regulation of MMT involves inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and microRNAs.•Targeting MMT offers a potential therapeutic strategy for fibrosis treatment.