Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal disease characterized by progressive destruction of the lung parenchyma and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, and is marked by a complex pathogenesis and limited treatment options. In recent years, metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a central mechanism by which cells adapt to stress and contribute to disease progression, attracting considerable interest within pulmonary fibrosis research. This review summarizes the metabolic reprogramming of key effector cells involved in pulmonary fibrosis, including lung fibroblasts, alveolar epithelial cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells, focusing on glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolic pathways. It elucidates how these metabolic alterations drive fibrotic progression by influencing cell activation, proliferation, apoptosis, and intercellular communication. Building on these mechanistic insights, the review further summarizes potential therapeutic strategies targeting various metabolic pathways, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation and strategic directions for the development of novel precision therapies for pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, we highlight the metabolic communication among different pulmonary cell populations and discuss emerging challenges for precision metabolic therapies.
Source: Frontiers in Medicine
Institution: Hainan Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G8384442715
OpenAlex ID: W7223177301