Integrins and pulmonary fibrosis: Pathogenic roles and therapeutic opportunities

Abstract excerpt

Characterized by the formation of fibrotic scars, pulmonary fibrosis (PF) involves a complex pathogenesis, limited treatment options, and a high mortality rate. Integrins-heterodimeric transmembrane proteins composed of α and β subunits-mediate extracellular matrix remodeling and regulate the physiological functions of epithelial, mesenchymal, and immune cells through "inside-out" and "outside-in" signaling...