Intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts in inflammatory bowel disease: fibroblast heterogeneity, fibrosis, and therapeutic targeting - Takeaways - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Subepithelial Myofibroblasts in the Intestine and Their Role in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Exploring Fibroblast Diversity, Fibrosis, and Potential Therapeutic Approaches

  • By

  • Fang Li

  • Chao Xu

  • Jun Chen

  • Teng Lei

  • Xigui Tian

  • Yuanling Zhang

  • Guoqing Chen

  • June 24, 2026

Share

  • 1

    Intestinal fibrosis is a significant complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to bowel strictures and impaired function.

  • 2

    Intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (ISEMFs) are crucial for epithelial homeostasis, mucosal repair, and extracellular matrix remodeling.

  • 3

    Chronic inflammation can lead to pathological activation of ISEMFs, resulting in excessive matrix deposition and progressive fibrosis.

  • 4

    Recent studies highlight fibroblast heterogeneity and identify specific fibroblast subsets linked to fibrostenotic disease in IBD.

  • 5

    Current therapeutic strategies targeting stromal pathways include antifibrotic agents and cytokine-directed therapies for IBD.

Original Source(s)

Intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts in inflammatory bowel disease: fibroblast heterogeneity, fibrosis, and therapeutic targeting

  • by Fang Li, Chao Xu, Jun Chen, Teng Lei, Xigui Tian, Yuanling Zhang, Guoqing Chen

  • June 24, 2026

Related Content

Gut microbial bile salt hydrolase as a metabolic gatekeeper in digestive homeostasis and disease

Infection risk in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with vedolizumab: a systematic review and meta-analysis

TNFAIP3/A20 dysfunction drives innate and sterile hyperinflammation