[Current pathophysiological developments in fibrosing diseases: insights into novel treatment concepts]

Fibrosis is a common symptom of a variety of skin disorders of diverse entity. The cellular and molecular pathophysiology of fibrosis development is unresolved and current treatment options are not sufficient. Tissue fibrosis leads to increased tissue stiffness, impaired organ function, decline of quality of life and ultimately increased morbidity and mortality. Epidemiologic studies indicate that nearly 45% of all deaths in the western world are associated with tissue fibrosis in diverse organs. Only few recently approved treatment options specifically target the process of fibrogenesis. The development of novel and efficient therapies is urgently needed, and at the same time provides a major challenge but also an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of this unresolved medical problem. This article highlights recent insights in the developments on tissue fibrosis with a focus on immunoregulatory mechanisms.