Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Tertiary Lymphoid Tissues in the Kidney

The document reviews the diverse roles of fibroblasts in tissue repair, inflammation, and their contribution to tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs) formation, particularly in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and aging. It highlights the heterogeneity of fibroblasts, with different subpopulations playing distinct roles in processes such as wound healing, hair follicle regeneration, and tumor progression. The review emphasizes that fibroblasts can act as innate immune cells and are involved in the formation of TLTs in aged, injured kidneys, which can be either protective or exacerbate disease depending on the context. The formation of TLTs in the kidney is considered maladaptive in aging, potentially leading to CKD. The document suggests that targeting specific fibroblast subpopulations and TLTs could offer new therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with fibroblast dysfunction and TLT formation.