Figure 1
From: Mesenchymal cell survival in airway and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
Comparison of events that mediate "resolving fibrosis" versus "progressive chronic fibrosis." Following injury, mesenchymal cell accumulation and subsequent matrix (e.g., collagen) production occur in both resolving and progressive fibrogenesis. However, mesenchymal cell apoptosis and degradation of matrix are favored in resolving fibrosis, whereas mesenchymal survival is favored in progressive fibrosis. Mesenchymal cell survival is likely caused by enhanced growth factor responsiveness and resistance to apoptosis.