Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation and fibrosis are central pathological processes driving the progression of numerous human diseases including pulmonary fibrosis, uterine fibroids, kidney and liver fibrosis, cardiac remodeling, and various cancers. Inflammation, as the body’s immediate response to tissue injury, triggers a cascade of immune and cellular signaling events aimed at restoring tissue homeostasis. However, chronic inflammation often leads to pathological fibrosis, characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that compromise tissue structure and function. This transformation is fueled by persistent fibroblast activation into myofibroblasts, dysregulated signaling pathways, and failure to resolve the inflammatory response.

Advances in molecular and cellular biology have significantly expanded our understanding of the interaction between inflammation and fibrosis, uncovering novel therapeutic targets and strategies. Key pathways involving cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and ECM remodeling enzymes have emerged as critical players in disease progression. New therapeutic approaches, including small-molecule inhibitors, antifibrotic agents, and anti-inflammatory compounds, offer promising avenues to control fibrosis, reduce chronic inflammation, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

This special issue invites original research and comprehensive reviews on the molecular mechanisms of inflammation and fibrosis and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Md Soriful Islam and Dr. Most Mauluda Akhtar
Guest Editors