Role of Immune Cells in Fibrotic Diseases

Fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, leading to tissue scarring and organ dysfunction. It can occur in various organs, including the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys, and is often the result of chronic inflammation triggered by various factors such as infections, toxins, and autoimmune conditions. Recent studies have illuminated the complex interplay between immune cells and the fibrotic process, revealing that immune cell populations—such as macrophages, T cells, and B cells—play critical roles in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. These immune cells can either promote or resolve fibrosis, depending on their activation states, cytokine production, and interactions with stromal cells. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted therapies aimed at preventing or reversing fibrosis.The goal of this Research Topic is to comprehensively examine the multifaceted roles of immune cells in fibrotic diseases, emphasizing their contributions to both disease pathogenesis and potential resolution. Recent advances have significantly deepened our understanding of how various immune cell types influence the fibrotic response, particularly through the application of single-cell sequencing approaches. These advancements have enabled the identification of diverse activated cell populations associated with fibrosis. Our objective is to compile the current knowledge on the mechanisms through which immune cells contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and tissue remodeling, alongside their potential roles in regenerative processes. Additionally, we aim to include reviews that discuss the latest technological advancements, especially in single-cell RNA sequencing, which have provided new insights into immune cell heterogeneity and functionality within fibrotic tissues. By consolidating this information, we hope to offer a valuable resource for researchers seeking to understand the complex interplay between the immune system and fibrotic diseases.We welcome the submission of manuscripts, related, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:• Immune Cell Mechanisms: Examine pathways through which immune cells contribute to fibrosis in the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys.• Biphasic Functions: Investigate the dual roles of immune cells in promoting and resolving fibrosis, focusing on their plasticity.• Chronic Inflammation: Analyze how chronic inflammation alters immune behavior and contributes to fibrotic disease progression.• Cellular Interactions: Explore interactions between immune and non-immune cells in the fibrotic microenvironment and their impact on fibrosis.• Single-Cell Sequencing: Highlight advancements in single-cell sequencing that reveal immune cell heterogeneity and functional profiles in fibrosis.Topic Editor Dr. Tatiana S. Rodríguez Reyna is a speaker for Boehringer Ingelheim. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject. Topic editors: Sandeep Kumar, Tatiana Sofía Rodríguez-Reyna, Kapish Gupta Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/69818/role-of-immune-cells-in-fibrotic-diseases