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The Role of Fibroblasts in the Regulation of Tissue Inflammation and Repair

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 226

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Avda. Ilustración 60, 18016 Granada, Spain
Interests: fibroblast; wound healing; tissue repair; phanolic compounds; antiseptics; laser therapy; phytotherapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fibroblasts are increasingly recognized as dynamic and functionally diverse cells rather than merely passive structural components of connective tissues. Their remarkable heterogeneity and plasticity enable them to integrate inflammatory signals, remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), and ultimately determine the outcome of tissue repair processes, ranging from complete healing to pathological fibrosis.

This Special Issue seeks original research articles and comprehensive reviews that advance our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which fibroblasts regulate tissue inflammation and repair. Relevant topics include but are not limited to immune–stromal crosstalk; myofibroblast differentiation and resolution; ECM remodeling and mechanotransduction pathways; fibroblast senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP); paracrine communication mediated by exosomes and other extracellular vesicles; and bioengineering strategies designed to modulate fibroblast function (e.g., hydrogels, scaffolds, and smart biomaterials).

The main aim of this Special Issue is to bridge fundamental mechanistic insights with clinically actionable strategies to advance scar-modulating and pro-reparative interventions.

Prof. Dr. Rebeca Illescas Montes
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • fibroblast
  • wound healing
  • inflammation
  • tissue repair
  • immune–stromal crosstalk
  • extracellular matrix remodeling
  • myofibroblast
  • regenerative medicine
  • exosomes
  • biomaterials

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

18 pages, 1847 KB  
Review
Regulation of Tissue Regeneration by Immune Microenvironment–Fibroblast Interactions
by Boram Son
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 11950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262411950 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 126
Abstract
Tissue regeneration is a highly complex and dynamic process critically influenced by the immune microenvironment and its multifaceted interactions with fibroblasts. Traditionally regarded as structural cells responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) production, fibroblasts have recently emerged as active regulators orchestrating immune responses and [...] Read more.
Tissue regeneration is a highly complex and dynamic process critically influenced by the immune microenvironment and its multifaceted interactions with fibroblasts. Traditionally regarded as structural cells responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) production, fibroblasts have recently emerged as active regulators orchestrating immune responses and tissue repair. This review focuses on the reciprocal crosstalk between fibroblasts and key immune components, including macrophages, T cells, ECM, local pH, and signaling proteins. These interactions coordinate the initiation and resolution phases of inflammation, regulating fibroblast migration, proliferation, differentiation, and ECM deposition, which collectively determine the efficiency and quality of tissue repair. Special attention is given to the dynamic modulation of the immune microenvironment that governs fibroblast behavior during injury and regeneration. Finally, recent therapeutic strategies targeting this crosstalk—from molecular inhibitors to cell-based therapies—are discussed, highlighting emerging avenues for enhancing regenerative outcomes and mitigating fibrotic diseases. This integrated perspective positions fibroblast–immune interactions as a promising frontier in regenerative medicine, offering new opportunities for targeted tissue repair and control of chronic inflammation. Full article
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