Fibrocytes in lung disease

Fibrocytes were first described over a decade ago as a population of cells in circulation with fibroblast-like properties, which were involved in tissue repair. Since that time, we have learned a significant amount about these bone marrow-derived cells, which contribute to wound healing and fibrosis. Fibrocytes express leukocyte markers such as CD34, CD45, and CD13 and also express mesenchymal markers such as pro-collagens I and III, vimentin, and fibronectin. In addition, they have been shown to express the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7, which appear to be important in cellular trafficking from the vascular to the extravascular compartment. Fibrocytes have been shown to contribute to a number of fibrotic disorders, and here, we review their involvement in lung diseases including pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and vascular remodeling.