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Macrophage–stroma interactions in fibrosis: biochemical, biophysical, and cellular perspectives
Author(s) -
Vasse Gwenda F,
Nizamoglu Mehmet,
Heijink Irene H,
Schlepütz Marco,
Rijn Patrick,
Thomas Matthew J,
Burgess Janette K,
Melgert Barbro N
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.5632
Subject(s) - stroma , extracellular matrix , fibrosis , macrophage , microbiology and biotechnology , wound healing , matrix (chemical analysis) , biology , pathology , chemistry , medicine , immunology , biochemistry , in vitro , immunohistochemistry , chromatography
Fibrosis results from aberrant wound healing and is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix, impairing the function of an affected organ. Increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, disruption of matrix degradation, but also abnormal post‐translational modifications alter the biochemical composition and biophysical properties of the tissue microenvironment – the stroma. Macrophages are known to play an important role in wound healing and tissue repair, but the direct influence of fibrotic stroma on macrophage behaviour is still an under‐investigated element in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In this review, the current knowledge on interactions between macrophages and (fibrotic) stroma will be discussed from biochemical, biophysical, and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, we provide future perspectives with regard to how macrophage–stroma interactions can be examined further to ultimately facilitate more specific targeting of these interactions in the treatment of fibrosis. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.