Role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis

• Alexandra A. Maximova
• Ekaterina Ya. Shevela
• Elena R. Chernykh

Abstract

Pulmonary fibrosis is a pathological process that is characterized by the proliferation of scar tissue in the lung parenchyma, leading to the destruction of alveolar structures and the development of respiratory failure. The growing number of patients with pulmonary fibrosis, including after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lack of effective treatment methods dictate the need for a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of this pathology. At the same time, increasing attention is being paid to research into the immune mechanisms of fibrosis development. Macrophages in the lung tissue are heterogeneous population of cells that differ in location, origin and function. They play a key role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. The review presents current data on various subtypes of pulmonary macrophages, their role in the fibrotic process, as well as some mechanisms regulating the process of fibrogenesis.

Keywords:macrophages; pulmonary fibrosis; COVID-19; profibrotic activity

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