Work

The role and mechanism of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition in fibrotic diseases

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Fibrosis is a pathological process primarily characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which leads to disruption of tissue architecture and progressive loss of organ function, serving as a key pathological basis for various chronic diseases. Recent studies have revealed that, in addition to conventional sources, macrophages can directly differentiate into ECM-producing myofibroblasts through a process termed macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT), thereby actively participating in fibrogenesis. The concept of MMT was initially proposed in the context of renal fibrosis and has since been validated in multiple organs, including the kidney, heart, lung, liver, and retina. This review aims to summarize the role of MMT in fibrotic diseases and to elucidate the mechanism underlying MMT and fibrosis progression. Unlike prior reviews that predominantly focus on MMT within individual organs or separately delineate their molecular pathways, this review adopts a cross-organ perspective to systematically identify conserved mechanisms, tissue-specific regulatory networks, and translational challenges of MMT across fibrotic diseases.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1919029

Authors: Hua Guo, Xiao Xiao Tang

Institutions: First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac Fibrosis and Remodeling

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801