Role and mechanism of CD90+ fibroblasts in inflammatory diseases and malignant tumors

• Published in: Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.) Vol. 29; no. 1; pp. 20 - 13
• Main Authors: Zeng, Feng, Gao, Mengxiang, Liao, Shan, Zhou, Zihua, Luo, Gengqiu, Zhou, Yanhong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central 06.02.2023; BMC
• Subjects: Biomarkers, Tumor - metabolism; CD90; Fibroblasts; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Fibrosis; Humans; Inflammation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells - metabolism; Neoplasms - metabolism; Pathophysiology; Review; Fibroblasts; Inflammation; Pathophysiology; CD90; Fibrosis
• ISSN: 1528-3658; 1076-1551; 1528-3658
• DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00616-7

Fibroblasts are highly heterogeneous mesenchymal stromal cells, and different fibroblast subpopulations play different roles. A subpopulation of fibroblasts expressing CD90, a 25–37 kDa glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored protein, plays a dominant role in the fibrotic and pro-inflammatory state. In this review, we focused on CD90 + fibroblasts, and their roles and possible mechanisms in disease processes. First, the main biological functions of CD90 + fibroblasts in inducing angiogenesis and maintaining tissue homeostasis are described. Second, the role and possible mechanism of CD90 + fibroblasts in inducing pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory skin diseases, and scar formation are introduced, and we discuss how CD90 + cancer-associated fibroblasts might serve as promising cancer biomarkers. Finally, we propose future research directions related to CD90 + fibroblasts. This review will provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment CD90 + fibroblast-related disease.