Human fibroblasts

Human fibroblasts are the primary cellular components of connective tissue, responsible for synthesizing the extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen required for tissue integrity and repair. While essential for normal physiological processes such as wound healing and structural maintenance, fibroblasts are central to the pathogenesis of various fibroproliferative diseases and the tumor microenvironment. In conditions like pulmonary fibrosis or scleroderma, activated fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) produce excessive ECM, leading to organ dysfunction. In oncology, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor progression, immune evasion, and drug resistance. Because 'Human fibroblasts' refers to a heterogeneous cell population rather than a specific protein or receptor, it is classified as a cellular target or a system rather than a single molecular therapeutic target. Drugs targeting fibroblast activity typically aim at specific signaling pathways, such as TGF-beta or various receptor tyrosine kinases, to prevent pathological tissue remodeling.

Other names

FibrocytesConnective tissue cellsStromal cellsDermal fibroblasts

Modulation of fibroblast proliferation, inhibition of myofibroblast differentiation, and reduction of extracellular matrix deposition.