Macrophage-Epithelial Interplay in Pulmonary Fibrosis
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 206
Special Issue Editors
Interests: alveolar epithelium; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; lung repair; inflammatory response
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Macrophages play a crucial role in maintaining lung homeostasis, and their interaction with lung epithelial cells is vital for proper tissue repair following injury. Miscommunication between macrophages and epithelial cells can lead to chronic lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In IPF, persistent epithelial injury and dysregulated repair mechanisms involving immune and mesenchymal cells result in excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production and fibrotic tissue formation. Macrophages, particularly alveolar macrophages, release pro-fibrotic mediators like TGF-β, which trigger fibroblast activation and contribute to fibrosis. The balance between the macrophage’s pro- and anti-fibrotic roles is essential for preventing the progression of IPF, as dysregulation of these cells exacerbates the disease. Therefore, understanding the interplay between macrophages and epithelial cells is critical in devising therapeutic strategies for lung fibrosis. We invite researchers to submit review articles and original research papers on macrophage-epithelial interactions and lung fibrosis to the Special Issue of Cells. Your work will advance our understanding of macrophage-epithelial cell crosstalk in the context of lung diseases.
Dr. Negah Ahmadvand
Dr. Farhad Khosravi
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- macrophages
- epithelial cells
- idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
- immune response
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