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J Biomed 2017; 2:134-139. doi:10.7150/jbm.18949 This volume Cite

Review

Role of CXCL12/CXCR4-Mediated Circulating Fibrocytes in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Linshen Xie, Liqiang Zhao^✉

West China School of Public Health /No.4 West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China

✉ Corresponding author: Liqiang Zhao, hxsy_sccom

Abstract

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and remodeling of the lung architecture, with clinically irreversible loss of lung function. The exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis are complicated. Many types of cells are involved in the pathogenic processes. The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) can attract circulating fibrocytes trafficking into lungs via chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) to promote tissue repair or impertinently worsen fibrotic lesions. In this review, we briefly summarize the existing experimental and clinical findings about fibrocytes in pulmonary fibrosis and discuss the potential therapeutic target CXCL12/CXCR4 biological axis.

Keywords: Pulmonary fibrosis, Fibrocytes, CXCL12/CXCR4.

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