Clinical, mechanistic, and therapeutic landscape of cutaneous fibrosis

Sci Transl Med. 2024 Sep 25;16(766):eadn7871. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adn7871. Epub 2024 Sep 25.

Abstract

When dysregulated, skin fibrosis can lead to a multitude of pathologies. We provide a framework for understanding the wide clinical spectrum, mechanisms, and management of cutaneous fibrosis encompassing a variety of matrix disorders, fibrohistiocytic neoplasms, injury-induced scarring, and autoimmune scleroses. Underlying such entities are common mechanistic pathways that leverage morphogenic signaling, immune activation, and mechanotransduction to modulate fibroblast function. In light of the limited array of available treatments for cutaneous fibrosis, scientific insights have opened new therapeutic and investigative avenues for conditions that still lack effective interventions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fibrosis*
  • Humans
  • Skin Diseases* / pathology
  • Skin Diseases* / therapy
  • Skin* / pathology