TGF-β pathway activation by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) fibroblast derived soluble factors is mediated by IL-6 trans-signaling.
Gali Epstein ShochetElizabetha BrookBecky Bardenstein-WaldDavid ShitritPublished in: Respiratory research (2020)
IPF-HLF paracrine signaling leads to IL-6R overexpression, which in turn, affects N-HLF survival. The IL-6/STAT3/Smad3 axis facilitates cellular responses that could potentially promote fibrotic disease. This interplay was successfully blocked by TCZ.