Human Lung Fibroblasts

Human Lung Fibroblasts (HLF), or Pulmonary Fibroblasts, constitutes main portion of lung interstitium. They play an important role in maintaining lung homeostasis and ventilation. HLF mainly responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and remodeling. Pulmonary fibroblasts display spindle-shaped morphology and characteristic long branching process and gap junction. They are the central mediator of cellular migration and differentiation in wound healing upon injury and chronic inflammation. Abnormal lung fibroblast growth and ECM accumulation are associated with fibrotic disease such as hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The essential role of fibroblast cells in lung fibrosis makes it ideal therapeutic and pathological target.

Applications
Human lung fibroblasts provide an ideal model for studying lung function and pathology. They can be used to model lung disorders, infections and inflammations. Pulmonary fibroblast has also been used in various studies in gene expression pattern, biomarker identification, drug screening and stem cell research.