CD206+alveolar macrophages are theranostic targets in experimental lung fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease characterized by an excessive collagen deposition leading to functional decline. Therapeutic options for IPF are limited with only nintedanib and pirfenidone which are able to reduce fibrosis progression without stopping the disease. Findings new therapeutic targets and associated biomarkers are major clinical concerns. CD206-expressing M2 macrophages have been shown to be involved in fibrosis progression through secretion of pro-fibrotic cytokines, mainly TGF-β1. The kinetic and relevance of CD206+macrophages recruitment during IPF remain unclear. Whether CD206+macrophages may be relevant therapeutic targets or biomarkers remain an open question.