Bi-directional communication: Conversations between fibroblasts and immune cells in systemic sclerosis. Issue 113 (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Worrell, Julie C.; O'Reilly, Steven
• Is Part Of: Journal of autoimmunity. Issue 113(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Fibroblast -- Cytokine -- Systemic sclerosis -- CD4+T cell -- B cell -- Adaptive immunity -- Cross-talk -- Fibrosis; Autoimmunity -- Periodicals; Autoimmune diseases -- Periodicals; Autoantibodies -- Periodicals; Autoimmune Diseases -- Periodicals; Auto-immunité -- Périodiques; Maladies auto-immunes -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.978005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102526
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0896-8411

Abstract

Abstract: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune idiopathic connective tissue disease, characterized by aberrant fibro-proliferative and inflammatory responses, causing fibrosis of multiple organs. In recent years the interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells with resident fibroblasts have been uncovered. Cross-talk between immune and stromal cells mediates activation of stromal cells to myofibroblasts; key cells in the pathophysiology of fibrosis. These cells and their cytokines appear to mediate their effects in both a paracrine and autocrine fashion. This review examines the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in SSc, focusing on recent advances that have illuminated our understanding of ongoing bi-directional communication between immune and stromal cells. Finally, we appraise current and future therapies and how these may be useful in a disease that currently has no specific disease modifying treatment. Highlights: Systemic sclerosis is complex idiopathic autoimmune disease, therapies are limited. Dysregulated T and B cell cytokines promote myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. Communication between fibroblasts and immune cells alters immune cell phenotype. Fibroblasts drive polarization, survival, and differentiation of T cells. Targeting both immune and stromal cells may be of therapeutic benefit in SSc.