Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Using Nicotine in a Silica-Exposed Mouse Model to Promote Lung Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Mechanics-activated fibroblasts promote pulmonary group 2 innate lymphoid cell plasticity propelling silicosis
Yangyang He1,2,3, Fan Yang1,2, Lin Yang1,2
1Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China.
Abstract:
Crystalline silica (CS) particle exposure leads to silicosis which is characterized as progressive fibrosis. Fibroblasts are vital effector cells in fibrogenesis. Emerging studies have identified immune sentinel roles for fibroblasts in chronic disease, while their immune-modulatory roles in silicosis remain unclear. Herein, we show that group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) conversion to ILC1s is closely involved in silicosis progression, which is mediated by activated fibroblasts via interleukin (IL)-18. Mechanistically, Notch3 signaling in mechanics-activated fibroblasts modulates IL-18 production via caspase 1 activity. The mouse-specific Notch3 knockout in fibroblasts retards pulmonary fibrosis progression that is linked to attenuated ILC conversion. Our results indicate that activated fibroblasts in silicotic lungs are regulators of ILC2-ILC1 conversion, associated with silicosis progression via the Notch3-IL-18 signaling axis. This finding broadens our understanding of immune-modulatory mechanisms in silicosis, and indicates potential therapeutic targets for lung fibrotic diseases.
More Related Videos
10:45A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust
Published on: January 6, 2023
06:29Adoptive Transfer of IL-33-Stimulated Macrophages into Bleomycin-Induced Mouse Models to Study Their Effect on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis In Vivo
Published on: May 5, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Fibroblasts
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation