Role and mechanism of CD90 fibroblasts in inflammatory diseases and malignant tumors.

Fibroblasts are highly heterogeneous mesenchymal stromal cells, and different fibroblast subpopulations play different roles. A subpopulation of fibroblasts expressing CD90, a 25-37 kDa glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored protein, plays a dominant role in the fibrotic and pro-inflammatory state. In this review, we focused on CD90 fibroblasts, and their roles and possible mechanisms in disease processes. First, the main biological functions of CD90 fibroblasts in inducing angiogenesis and maintaining tissue homeostasis are described. Second, the role and possible mechanism of CD90 fibroblasts in inducing pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory skin diseases, and scar formation are introduced, and we discuss how CD90 cancer-associated fibroblasts might serve as promising cancer biomarkers. Finally, we propose future research directions related to CD90 fibroblasts. This review will provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment CD90 fibroblast-related disease.