Macrophage involvement in systemic sclerosis: do we need more evidence?

G Stifano, RB Christmann - Current rheumatology reports, 2016 - Springer
G Stifano, RB Christmann
Current rheumatology reports, 2016Springer
The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis is still unknown, although immune cells, mainly
macrophages/monocytes, may have an important role in initiating and/or perpetuating the
disease. Macrophages and monocytes are often classified as pro-inflammatory M1
phenotype or classic activation and pro-fibrotic/anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype or
alternative activation. In this review, we highlighted the most relevant research regarding the
involvement of macrophages/monocytes in the pathogenesis of this complex disease.
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis is still unknown, although immune cells, mainly macrophages/monocytes, may have an important role in initiating and/or perpetuating the disease. Macrophages and monocytes are often classified as pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or classic activation and pro-fibrotic/anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype or alternative activation. In this review, we highlighted the most relevant research regarding the involvement of macrophages/monocytes in the pathogenesis of this complex disease.
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