Contribution of myeloid cell subsets to liver fibrosis in parasite infection

Accumulation of extracellular matrix components secreted by fibroblasts is a normal feature of wound healing during acute inflammation. However, during most chronic/persistent inflammatory diseases, this tissue repair mechanism is incorrectly regulated and results in irreversible fibrosis in various organs. Fibrosis that severely affects tissue architecture and can cause organ failure is a major cause of death in developed countries. Organ‐recruited lymphoid (mainly T cells) and myeloid cells (eosinophils, basophils, macrophages and DCs ) have long been recognized in their participation to the development of fibrosis. In particular, a central role for recruited monocyte‐derived macrophages in this excessive connective tissue deposit is more and more appreciated. Moreover, the polarization of monocyte‐derived macrophages in classically activated ( IFN γ ‐dependent) M1 cells or alternatively activated ( IL ‐4/ IL ‐13) M2 cells, that mirrors the Th1/Th2 polarization of T cells, is also documented to contribute differentially to the fibrotic process. Here, we review the current understanding of how myeloid cell subpopulations affect the development of fibrosis in parasite infections. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.