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Updated: May 22, 2025

Isolation of Papillary and Reticular Fibroblasts from Human Skin by Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 7, 2019
Antigen-presenting fibroblasts: emerging players in immune modulation and therapeutic targets
Xiaoyun Chen1, Fangqi Chen2,3, Sujie Jia2,3
1Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
Abstract:
Antigen-presenting fibroblasts are a newly recognized subset that challenges the traditional view of these cells as mere structural components. Under pathological or environmental stimuli, fibroblasts acquire antigen-presenting capabilities through the expression of MHC-II molecules and co-stimulatory factors, enabling them to interact with T cells and modulate immune responses. These specialized fibroblasts have been identified across various tissues and diseases, where they play context-dependent roles, either amplifying immune dysregulation or contributing to immune homeostasis. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the origins, activation, and functions of antigen-presenting fibroblasts. It highlights their role in promoting pathogenic immune responses and offering therapeutic opportunities through targeted modulation. Advancing our understanding of antigen-presenting fibroblasts holds great promise for developing innovative approaches to immune modulation and therapy across a range of diseases.
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