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Immune-stromal interactions at the crossroads of tissue injury, repair, and tumor progression

delete2026-07-21
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PRE
AI
D
Derek Ning
D
Daniel Naveed Tavakol
P
Pamela L. Graney
E
Ethan Lee
C
Clark T. Hung
G
Gordana Vunjak‐Novakovic *
DOI:10.1016/j.medj.2026.101222delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk plays a critical yet incompletely understood role in cancer, fibrosis, and tissue repair. A central challenge is capturing the diversity of these cells, whose phenotypes are shaped by microenvironmental cues and developmental origins. Macrophage heterogeneity reflects the tissue-resident and bone marrow-derived lineages, while fibroblasts adopt distinct subsets defined by tissue context. Myofibroblasts can emerge from fibroblasts, monocytes, and other stromal cells. The lack of markers to distinguish these subpopulations remains a major barrier to defining their specific roles in pathological outcomes, including tissue injury, repair, and cancer. Together, macrophages and fibroblasts maintain tissue homeostasis and drive repair; however, disruptions in their crosstalk promote fibrotic remodeling and tumor-permissive microenvironments. Here, we review the origins, diversity, and roles of non-parenchymal macrophages and fibroblasts in fibrosis and cancer, highlighting key gaps and future directions to advance the field.

Journal

Med cover
Med
IF:
11.8
Papers:
771
Citations:
2.2K

Organization

C
columbia university
Scholars:
4.4K
Papers: 1.9K
Citations: 2
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