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The Role of Fibroblasts Across Inflammation and Immunity
Max J B Cowan1,2, Sarah Davidson1, Mark Coles1
1Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
Annual Review of Pathology
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Fibroblasts, once seen only as matrix organizers, are now known immune regulators. Targeting these versatile cells offers new hope for treating inflammatory diseases and restoring tissue health.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Homeostasis
Background:
- Fibroblasts were traditionally viewed as passive extracellular matrix organizers.
- Emerging evidence highlights fibroblasts as active regulators of immune responses and tissue homeostasis.
- Fibroblasts play critical roles in fibrosis, barrier immunity, stem cell niches, vascular permeability, and lymphoid tissue regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of fibroblasts in acute and chronic inflammation.
- To examine the relationship between fibroblasts and innate and adaptive immune cells.
- To discuss fibroblast involvement in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on fibroblast functions in inflammation.
- Analysis of fibroblast interactions with immune cells.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- Fibroblasts are key players in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including fibrosis and immunity.
- They interact dynamically with both innate and adaptive immune systems.
- Their diverse functions present therapeutic challenges but also opportunities for treatment.
Conclusions:
- Fibroblasts are crucial, dynamic regulators of immune responses and tissue health.
- Understanding fibroblast heterogeneity is key to developing effective immunotherapies.
- Targeting fibroblasts holds significant potential for treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and restoring tissue function.
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