Bi-directional communication: Conversations between fibroblasts and immune cells in systemic sclerosis

Worrell, J. C. and O'Reilly, S. (2020) Bi-directional communication: Conversations between fibroblasts and immune cells in systemic sclerosis. Journal of Autoimmunity, 113, 102526. (doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102526) (PMID:32713676)

Abstract

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune idiopathic connective tissue disease, characterized by aberrant fibro-proliferative and inflammatory responses, causing fibrosis of multiple organs. In recent years the interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells with resident fibroblasts have been uncovered. Cross-talk between immune and stromal cells mediates activation of stromal cells to myofibroblasts; key cells in the pathophysiology of fibrosis. These cells and their cytokines appear to mediate their effects in both a paracrine and autocrine fashion. This review examines the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in SSc, focusing on recent advances that have illuminated our understanding of ongoing bi-directional communication between immune and stromal cells. Finally, we appraise current and future therapies and how these may be useful in a disease that currently has no specific disease modifying treatment.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Worrell, Dr Julie
• Authors: Worrell, J. C., and O'Reilly, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of Autoimmunity
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0896-8411
• ISSN (Online): 1095-9157
• Published Online: 24 July 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Journal of Autoimmunity 113:102526
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher