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Review
. 2009:120:49-59.

The role of circulating mesenchymal progenitor cells, fibrocytes, in promoting pulmonary fibrosis

Robert M Strieter  1 , Ellen C Keeley, Marie D Burdick, Borna Mehrad
Affiliations
Review

The role of circulating mesenchymal progenitor cells, fibrocytes, in promoting pulmonary fibrosis

Robert M Strieter et al. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2009.

Abstract

The resident fibroblast has been traditionally viewed as the primary cell involved in promoting pulmonary fibrosis. However, contemporary findings now support the concept of a circulating cell (fibrocyte) that also contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrocytes are bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells that express a variety of cell surface markers related to leukocytes, hematopoietic progenitor cells and fibroblasts. Fibrocytes are unique in that they are capable of differentiating into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, as well as adipocytes. In this review, we present data supporting the critical role these cells play in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Potential Conflicts of Interest: Honaria: Genzyme.

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