The replacement of damaged cardiomyocytes by extracellular matrix-producing fibroblasts underpins adverse remodeling in the failing heart. New research finds that MHC class II-dependent fibroblast–CD4+ T cell interactions in the myocardium lead to fibroblast activation and exacerbate fibrotic remodeling of the myocardium.
- Christian Perez-Shibayama
- Cristina Gil-Cruz
- Burkhard Ludewig