title: Macrophage Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis: Do We Need More Evidence?
abstract: The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis is still unknown, although immune cells, mainly macrophages/monocytes, may have an important role in initiating and/or perpetuating the disease. Macrophages and monocytes are often classified as pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or classic activation and pro-fibrotic/anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype or alternative activation. In this review, we highlighted the most relevant research regarding the involvement of macrophages/monocytes in the pathogenesis of this complex disease.
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St. 5th Floor Room 501, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
authors.forename: Giuseppina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stifano
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St. 5th Floor Room 501, Boston, MA, 02118, USA. romybc@bu.edu.
authors.forename: Romy Beatriz
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Christmann
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology
keywords: Fibrosis; Macrophages; Monocytes; Pathogenesis; Scleroderma; Systemic sclerosis