Fig. 7: Revised model of lung fibrosis development.
From: Targeting pleuro-alveolar junctions reverses lung fibrosis in mice
Schematic representation of lung fibrosis development. a A monolayer of mesothelium (shown in pink) encapsulates a thin layer of matrix reservoir (shown in green) in healthy lungs. b Lung injury activates alveolar macrophages to secrete IL-18. IL-18 triggers surface mesothelium through IL-18 receptor. c Surface mesothelium produces Cathepsin B that liberates pleural matrix pools, triggering matrix transfer inwards. d Invaded matrix changes interstitial environment, which in turn activates fibroblasts and forming of pulmonary fibrosis.
