Simplifying Inflammation and Fibrosis
The model provides concepts that explain the basic features of fibrosis, and predict several types of fibrosis such as hot fibrosis (with macrophages) and cold fibrosis (without them). The model also suggests drug targets to reduce fibrosis, such as inhibiting the myofibroblast autocrine loop. These concepts led to experiments with these drug candidates that reduce fibrosis in heart attacks and liver cirrhosis in mice.