Understanding and Therapeutically Targeting the Scleroderma Myofibroblast

Purpose of Review Myofibroblasts represent matrix-producing effector cells which both produce and maintain the pro-fibrotic microenvironment in scleroderma and other fibrotic diseases. This review first explores the origins, function, regulators, interactions, and death of myofibroblasts in fibrotic tissue and then utilizes this information to guide understanding of current and future treatments which may target these cells. Recent Findings. Beyond existing immunomodulatory therapy for SSc, there are an increasing number of anti-fibrotic therapies which are either under clinical study or development which may be able to effectively target myofibroblasts. Summary The role of myofibroblast modulation in treatment of scleroderma is a promising field with data supporting multiple new agents which may modulate myofibroblasts as anti-fibrotic therapy.