Macrophages and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

Most chronic respiratory diseases often lead to the clinical manifestation of pulmonary fibrosis. Inflammation and immune disorders are widely recognized as primary contributors to the onset of pulmonary fibrosis. Given that macrophages are predominantly responsible for inflammation and immune disorders, in this review, we first focused on the role of different subpopulations of macrophages in the lung and discussed the crosstalk between macrophages and other immune cells, such as neutrophils, regulatory T cells, NKT cells, and B lymphocytes during pulmonary fibrogenesis. Subsequently, we analyzed the interaction between macrophages and fibroblasts as a possible new research direction. Finally, we proposed that exosomes, which function as a means of communication between macrophages and target cells to maintain cellular homeostasis, are a strategy for targeting lung drugs in the future. By comprehending the mechanisms underlying the interplay between macrophages and other lung cells, we aim to enhance our understanding of pulmonary fibrosis, leading to improved diagnostics, preventative measures, and the potential development of macrophage-based therapeutics.

Keywords: B lymphocytes; NKT cells; exosomes.; fibroblasts; macrophages; neutrophils; pulmonary fibrosis; regulatory T cells.