Telocytes in Fibrosis Diseases: From Current Findings to Future Clinical Perspectives

Abstract

Telocytes (TCs), a distinct type of interstitial (stromal) cells, have been discovered in many organs of human and mammal animals. TCs, which have unique morphological characteristics and abundant paracrine substance, construct a three-dimensional (3D) interstitial network within the stromal compartment by homocellular and heterocellular communications which are important for tissue homeostasis and normal development. Fibrosis-related diseases remain a common but challenging problem in the field of medicine with unclear pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Recently, increasing evidences suggest that where TCs are morphologically or numerically destructed, many diseases continuously develop, finally lead to irreversible interstitial fibrosis. It is not difficult to find that TCs are associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis. This review mainly discusses relationship between TCs and the occurrence of fibrosis in various diseases. We analyzed in detail the potential roles and speculated mechanisms of TCs in onset and progression of systemic fibrosis diseases, as well as providing the most up-to-date research on the current therapeutic roles of TCs and involved related pathways. Only through continuous research and exploration in the future can we uncover its magic veil and provide strategies for treatment of fibrosis-related disease.

Roles of telocytes dominated cell–cell communication in fibroproliferative acute respiratory distress syndrome

“…The fibrotic lung is characterized by a highly inhomogeneous mechanical microenvironment, where lung areas with preserved elasticity are contiguous to areas of the rigid lung, resulting in a peculiar mechanical behaviour during inflation, especially in terms of the stress/strain relationship. 74 The increased parenchymal stiffness of fibrotic lungs significantly affects respiratory mechanics, making the lung more fragile and prone to nonphysiological stress during spontaneous breathing and mechanical ventilation. 75 Assisted ventilatory support, one of the important respiratory support measures for ARDS patients, could improve the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.…”

“…TCs could modulate cell‐cell communication via the Wnt signalling pathway and further promote regeneration 116 . A unique secretory cell population in human respiratory airways was identified in proximal upper airways, which termed RAS cells, could serve as a previously undescribed distal lung progenitor population by differentiating into AT2 cells rapidly, and this process was controlled by Notch and Wnt signaling 74,117 …”

Histological study of telocytes in mice intrauterine adhesion model and their positive effect on mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

“…Numerous processes related to TCs have been proposed, with some strongly substantiated by experimental data while others remain speculative. TCs play a vital role in maintaining the typical organ structure, tissue homeostasis, immune regulation, information transmission, and mechanical sensitivity through their intricate 3D network structure (Wei et al, 2022). Furthermore, TCs are integral components of stem cell niches, providing structural and paracrine support for stem cells in various organs, including the intestine, skeletal muscle, heart, lungs, and more (Rosa, Marini, et al, 2021).…”

Synthesis and Physiological Remodeling of CD34 Cells in the Skin following the Reversal of Fibrosis through Intensive Treatment for Lower Limb Lymphedema: A Case Report

“…In addition, studies on the vascular system have shown increasing evidence to suggest that TCs are morphologically or numerically destructed in fibrosis-related diseases, so TCs are associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis. It is important to further study the potential roles of TCs in the onset and progression of systemic fibrosis diseases to improve the therapeutic outcomes of related diseases [ 12 ].…”