Target intelligence / Profile preview

Keloid fibroblast

Molecular classification
Other (primary cell type; not a singular receptor, enzyme, or druggable protein target)
01

Overview

Keloid fibroblasts are specialized connective tissue cells found in keloid scars, characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and excessive secretion of extracellular matrix components, especially type I and III collagen, in response to wound healing signals. Their abnormal function is driven by heightened sensitivity to profibrotic cytokines, primarily TGF-β, and altered expression of cell surface receptors and proteases like FAP. These cells are central to the pathogenesis of keloid disorder, which is a model of skin fibrosis[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Keloid fibroblast secretion function therefore describes a pathological process, not a pharmacological target or singular molecular entity.

Other names
Keloid-derived fibroblastKeloid scar fibroblastKF
02

Mechanism of action

Inhibition of growth factor signaling (e.g., anti-TGF-β)[2][3]; Inhibition of ECM synthesis; Induction of fibroblast apoptosis or senescence

03

Biological functions

Extracellular matrix synthesisCytokine secretionCell proliferationWound healingFibrosis
04

Disease associations

FibrosisCancer (acts similarly to tumor stroma)Inflammation
05

Safety considerations

Potential for impairment of normal wound healingOff-target effects due to inhibition of essential growth factorsLocal recurrence and resistance (e.g., post-radiotherapy)[5]
06

Interacting drugs

Anti-TGF-β antibodies[2]

2 more in the full profile.

07

Biomarkers

Overexpression of TGF-β1, TGF-β2Collagen I (COL1A1), Collagen III (COL3A1)Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP)[5]Increased SMAD2/3 phosphorylation[1]

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on Keloid fibroblast.

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Drug pipeline

Full profile access

Explore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.

  • Drug candidates
  • Developers
  • Development stage

Clinical trials

Full profile access

Follow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.

  • Trial design
  • Status
  • Readouts

Competitive landscape

Full profile access

Compare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.

  • Programs
  • Modalities
  • Indications

Literature & evidence

Full profile access

Investigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.

  • Publications
  • Sources
  • Analysis

Patents

Full profile access

Explore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.

  • Patents
  • Assignees
  • Technologies

Research & analysis

Full profile access

Connect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.

  • Biology
  • Development news
  • Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on Keloid fibroblast.

Explore the full profile

Gosset Free

Get started with Gosset.

Enter your work email and we’ll be in touch with next steps.

Work email preferred.

Book a call