Tissue fibrosis can lead to significant organ dysfunction and resulting patient morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the therapeutic repertoire is currently limited, nonspecific, and largely ineffective. While the pathogenesis is incompletely understood, evidence is accumulating that immune and cytokine mediated mechanisms are critical. In this review, data will be provided to support the role of Type 2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. The importance of the role of the pro-fibrogenic cytokine TGF-beta and CD40-CD40 ligand mediated fibroblast activation will also be evaluated. Finally, novel therapeutic options based on inhibiting these pathways will be described.
Copyright 2001 Academic Press.